Bala Cynwyd, PA, September 25, 2018 - Children battling diabetes need to manage it 24/7 and sometimes feel isolated from peers, who don't understand what it's like to deal with the disease. Employees at Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) are supporting the American Diabetes Association in helping children enjoy a traditional summer camp experience. Surrounded by peers who understand what they are experiencing, campers develop the critical skills needed to thrive while managing this disease. The company is donating $350,000 to American Diabetes Association Camps, which deliver education and camp fun to kids in a medically safe environment.
"Camp has really helped me be more confident with everything I go through, because I actually meet people who understand what I'm going through. A lot of my friends don't truly understand what it feels like to live every day scared," shared Madigan McGrath, an ADA Camper from the Philadelphia area. "Camp has made me feel more confident and learn new things that help me get through my everyday life."
PHLY employees voted last year to support ADA Camps and set a goal to raise $125,000 and volunteer 1,000 hours. They raised more than $175,000 through individual donations, office fundraisers, and support from business partners. More than 400 employees also volunteered 1,110 hours to promote diabetes awareness. The Company is matching every dollar to total $350,000 in donations to the ADA Camps program.
"I heard many stories from our employees who had a personal connection to this disease and were inspired to help," shared Bob O'Leary, president and chief executive officer of Philadelphia Insurance Companies. "We wanted to build on our company culture by uniting our employees in support of one of our national non-profit customers. Non-profit agencies and outdoor businesses like camps are a core part of our business, which I think also helped motivate us to surpass our goals for the ADA."
Managing camps across the country requires a significant investment. In addition to all the trappings of a traditional summer camp, ADA also provides skilled medical staff 24/7, insulin, test strips, glucose tabs, syringes, monitoring supplies, and more. The $350,000 donated by PHLY contributes to the subsidies for camper registration costs, helping thousands of children attend camp.
"More than 6,000 children across the United States are served by American Diabetes Association Camps, and PHLY's volunteers helped make that possible this year," said Kelly Mueller, vice president of business integration for programs and products for the ADA. "PHLY is a valued sponsor of our Camps, and we are truly appreciative of their commitment to our mission."
Philadelphia Insurance Companies is a leading insurance carrier for non-profit and human service organizations, as well as a premier carrier for the outdoor recreation and camps industries. Since 1980, PHLY and its employees have donated nearly $35 million to charitable causes and organizations.
About Philadelphia Insurance
Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. The Company is rated "A++" (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and "A+" for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard and Poor's. In business for over 50 years, PHLY is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, one of the Best Places to Work in Insurance, and one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America. The organization has more than 50 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit www.PHLY.com.
About the American Diabetes Association
Nearly half of American adults have diabetes or prediabetes; more than 30 million adults and children have diabetes; and every 21 seconds, another individual is diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. The American Diabetes Association (Association) is the global authority on diabetes and since 1940 has been committed to its mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. To tackle this global public health crisis, the Association drives discovery in research to treat, manage and prevent all types of diabetes, as well as to search for cures; raises voice to the urgency of the diabetes epidemic; and provides support and advocacy for people living with diabetes, those at risk of developing diabetes and the health care professionals who serve them. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800- DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish. Find us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn)
