Zurich, January 14, 1998. - At today’s media orientation Zurich informed about the various events scheduled to mark its 125th anniversary which is being celebrated under the motto "inspired by tomorrow."
On November 16, 1872, Zurich was founded as the Insurance Association. Zurich’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rolf Hüppi highlighted several milestones in the company’s 125-year history. Zurich also used the media orientation as an opportunity to hold two special previews. On the one hand it presented its anniversary book written by the Swiss journalist and publicist Karl Lüönd and which recalls Zurich’s eventful past 125 years placed within their historical context. On the other it opened its new multimedia museum Explorama, an interactive exhibit that creatively illustrates Zurich’s past, present and future.
Furthermore, donations amounting to SFr. 1 million were made to the following institutions: Pro Juventute (Switzerland and district of Zurich), Pro Senectute (Switzerland and Canton of Zurich), Pro Infirmis (Switzerland and Canton of Zurich), the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Association, the Twannberg Holiday Village, the Swiss Red Cross, the Swiss Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Association of Relatives of Drug Addicts in Zurich and the Foundation for Assisting Young People in Finding Accommodation in Zurich.
The various anniversary activities will take place throughout the year. As Rolf Hüppi emphasized, "they are all intended not just to look back at what Zurich has achieved, but also to direct its sights to the future." In 1998, Zurich customers in Switzerland will receive as a gift Relax Assistance a new service package designed to bring quick assistance in unpleasant situations.
In the area of sponsoring, Zurich is supporting the complete modernization of all Vita Fitness Trails in Switzerland. In line with the latest findings in sport medicine, older exercises will be replaced by more flexible, individual fitness activities. From 1998 to the year 2000, Zurich will also provide financial and administrative support to the horizon cultural workshops for schoolchildren, organized by Unicef Switzerland. Furthermore, Zurich is one of the sponsors of Swiss, made. - a cultural and art exhibition, celebrating 150 years of the Swiss confederation.
As a gift to all the citizens of Zurich and its visitors, Zurich is also installing a permanent water fountain off the Enge harbor at the head of Lake Zurich. The finale to Zurich’s anniversary year will be an internal celebration for employees in September.
