Unum and its employees teamed up to contribute $3.7 million last year to non-profit organizations in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia, part of more than $12.4 million in total charitable support from the company in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland.
In addition, employees in Unum’s Chattanooga office volunteered 26,000 hours to their favorite local causes, valued at $618,450.
“We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve built with the non-profit community and we feel strongly that our employees are committed to making Chattanooga one of the best places to live in the Southeast,” said Suzanne Payne, director of corporate social responsibility.
“I feel like there is a buzz at Unum, an energy, that compels people to do more. That drive naturally extends to the community and is an integral part of the Unum culture.”
The company primarily focuses its charitable efforts on supporting public education initiatives that provide more opportunity for students to learn. Other areas of support include health and wellness and arts and culture.
Unum continued its multi-year partnership with the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy through technology grants and support of the workplace mentoring program. The company also strengthened its commitment to public education through charitable giving and employee engagement with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club of Chattanooga.
“We’ve been fortunate to partner with Unum and its employees who want to help children see their future through the lens of what is possible with hard work and training,” said Theresa Varos, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga. “They are invested in making a difference and changing lives at a time when even the smallest choices can alter the course of a youth’s future.”
Outside of public education initiatives, the United Way was a big beneficiary of Unum’s corporate giving in 2016. A sampling of other beneficiaries include Chattanooga non-profit organizations that partner with Unum, including Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County.
Unum provides financial protection benefits in the workplace such as disability, life, accident and critical illness, and dental and vision coverage. Through its Unum, Starmount and Colonial Life businesses, the company has offices across the U.S., the U.K., and in Carlow, Ireland.