Rush Insurance teamed up with Hays Travel as part of ‘Random Acts of Kindness Week’, with the insurance specialist supporting fundraising by the agency’s Rayleigh branch.
The insurance firm also surprised customers at the Hays Travel branch in Oldham by paying for the policies taken out by customers on Tuesday (February 13).
Jeff Rush, chief executive of Rush Insurance, visited the Rayleigh branch in Essex to double the £1,050 raised for Kids Inspire by the agency staff to £2,100.
Zoe Blackman, Rayleigh branch manager, said: “In December 2023 we organised a charity coach day to Canterbury Christmas market to raise money for Kids Inspire.
“Our friends at Kirby’s Coaches supplied a 44-seater, which we filled with some of our brilliant customers who each paid £20 for the fun day out.
“With the ticket sales, raffle on the coach and other donations we were thrilled to raise £1,050 for Kids Inspire, a Chelmsford-based charity that provides mental health and trauma recovery support for children, young people and their families.
“When Rush came in and said they would double what we raised, we just couldn’t believe it! Over £2,000 will help a lot of young people.”
Jeff Rush said: “It was a privilege to be able to help the team at Hays Travel Rayleigh in their efforts to raise money for Kids Inspire.
“We have been involved in several initiatives to mark Random Acts of Kindness Week, which has been hugely fulfilling. It’s impressive and inspiring to hear about the initiatives colleagues in Hays Travel branches are involved with to help charities close to where they are. Well done to everyone involved.”
Meanwhile, Louise Bates, Rush sales and relationships director, was with Hays staff in Oldham for her random acts of kindness.
“When any customers decided to purchase travel insurance from the agent, I nipped over and told them it was Random Acts of Kindness Week and that I would love to pay for their insurance policy,” she said.
“You can imagine their surprise and delight – of course, all accepted. One customer (pictured below with Louise) had tears in his eyes and couldn’t believe it – he said no one ever does anything like this and asked if we were winding him up. His policy was £320.
“In total we have paid £650 today and it was such a lovely feeling being able to do it. It really is nice to be nice.”
Rush Insurance Services is Hays Travel’s exclusive insurance provider and has a long-running relationship with teams in branches across the UK.
Hays Travel’s Local Community Partnership sees every branch receive money for fundraisers, sponsorships, and donations to schools, causes or charities within their community.
In the current financial year (beginning May 2023) Hays Travel has invested more than £200,000 through its branches to support community projects and initiatives.
Main picture, from left: Sasha Price, Caitlin Bellsham and Coryann Bradley from Hays, Rachael Bassett from Kids Inspire, and Jeff Rush