Foresters Reaffirm Commitment to Local Community

    BROMLEY, ENGLAND, February 11, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For the third consecutive year Foresters, the international financial services organisation, has been proud to sponsor the employment of a member of road crossing patrol staff at the Parish C of E School.

The Parish C of E School is located on the outskirts of Bromley with much of the school currently housed in a mansion building dating back to 1770. The two-form entry primary school, which has previously occupied other sites, can probably boast being the oldest educational establishment in the Borough, with a history dating back to 1717.

Pupils, families and staff at the school were delighted to receive a visit last month from Steve Dilworth, Managing Director, Member Network UK, Foresters, who presented a cheque for GBP3,000 to help employ a road crossing patrol to enable safe passage for the pupils across busy London Lane, where the school is located.

Foresters, whose UK head office is also situated in Bromley, first contributed GBP2,500 to the school for the continued employment of a lollipop person in 2011, (followed by a GBP3,000 contribution in 2012) following news from Bromley Council in 2010 that, although able to continue providing training, equipment and insurance for crossings across the borough, the council could no longer fund the employment of a member of patrol staff.

When Foresters were alerted to these cuts by some of their local members, they saw the opportunity to collaborate with the council to make a real difference within their local community and help a school which would otherwise struggle to keep this vital service going.

Steve Dilworth from Foresters comments "Supporting the well-being of our members, their families and their communities is integral to our organisation. Having a member of patrol staff at the crossing at busy times is paramount to the safety of the pupils and we have seen the value to the whole school community over the past three years we have been able to help provide this service for them.

Investing in the community is an important part of who we are and by providing financial support for the school crossing we are able to help maintain as safe a route as possible for pupils travelling to and from school"

Councillor Colin Smith comments upon the council's partnership with Foresters as a "proud association with a local business which is demonstrating true commitment to community engagement in these still very troubled economic times."

Headteacher Hilary Richardson adds "The generosity of Foresters to match-fund the Borough of Bromley's contribution shows a real commitment to the local community, for which we are extremely grateful."

The provision of a lollipop lady at the busy crossing outside the school is a huge reassurance for the school community.

Well-respected crossing patrol staff member Sharon Salter said: "If it wasn't for the generosity of Foresters it would not be possible for me to be employed in the job I love as lollipop lady, and the children's welfare would be at risk every time that they crossed the road"

To find out more, please visit www.foresters.co.uk

At Foresters we believe in enriching the lives of our members, their families and the communities they live in. We're member-based, family-focused, and community spirited.

Our products benefit both your family and your community. We champion the well-being of families through quality financial products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities.

We share our financial strength with over one million members across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Throughout our 140-year history, our purpose has been to enrich the lives of members, their families and communities. The priorities remain today and will guide our future.

As an example, our work with Cash for Kids in their 2013 Mission Christmas Appeal helped over 278,000 children to have a better Christmas. The whole campaign raised GBP8m and involved 1,463 Foresters volunteers.

Forester Life is responsible for funds under management of over GBP2.9bn* and is part of Foresters, the international financial services organisation.

Internationally, Foresters has over GBP13bn* funds under management and has been assigned an 'A' excellent rating by A.M. Best.**

Safeguarding our members' interests is at the heart of what we do. Being financially strong and responsive, with sound governance and continuing professional service have always helped us to protect our members' benefits.

*As at 30th September 2013

**An 'A' excellent rating is assigned to companies that have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders and have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best Company. In assigning Foresters rating A.M. Best stated that Foresters outlook rating is 'stable', which means it is unlikely to change in the near future, assuming Foresters financial strength is maintained and operations grow. A.M. Best assigns rating from A++ to F, A++ being superior and A and A- being excellent ratings. This rating was assigned on 3rd July 2013. Our International Head Office is located at 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9.

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