IICF launching campaign to support food-insecure children
The foundation noted that food insecurity continues to grow, with one in five U.S. households facing hunger issues.
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is launching the 2021 COIVD-19 Crisis: Children’s Relief Fund, which aims to support children at risk of food insecurity, according to the nonprofit.
The fund is the IICF’s second program supporting children’s hunger exacerbated by the pandemic. Last year’s edition of the initiative raised nearly $500,000 in its first three weeks and brought in a total of $1.3 million. The foundation used the funds to provide 2.5 million meals to children and families in the U.S. and U.K.
The foundation noted the issue of food insecurity continues to grow, with one in five U.S. households facing hunger issues.
“With our first Children’s Relief Fund, we were able to make a real difference at a dire time for so many, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the companies and individuals in our industry,” Bill Ross, CEO of the IICF, said in a release. “The leadership level of support from our Campaign Champions was extraordinary, including the largest single contribution of $500,000 from Lloyd’s, and we are extremely grateful to each of the 1,500 individual insurance professionals who were moved to donate personally to our campaign.
Coinciding with Step Up Challenge
The Children’s Relief Fund initiative will coincide with the second International Step Up Challenge, a six-week exercise challenge designed to promote fitness and wellbeing while fostering comradery and friendly industry competition. Two winners from the teams and individual challenges will have the chance to designate a grant to a nonprofit of their choice. Additionally, anyone meeting the minimum number of steps will be entered into a drawing for the opportunity to designate a grant, IICF reported.
“IICF is proud to offer this opportunity to keep fit and stay healthy in these challenging times while supporting children and our communities,” said Ross. “Our 2020 Step Up Challenge was great fun, involving nearly 1,000 participants, and a success in raising nearly $50,000 in additional funds for the Children’s Relief Fund. We’re looking forward to uniting people from both inside and beyond the industry and from different countries and communities once again this year to raise money for children in need.”
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