“Aegon is honored to join with Right To Play in improving the lives of children who are forced to endure some of the most desperate circumstances around the world.”
Aegon N.V. and the international humanitarian organization Right To Play announce a new global partnership to extend the organization’s mission to help children in deprived areas of Sudan, Uganda, Ghana and China.
Aegon N.V. has donated EUR 1 million as part of a three year partnership that will extend through the 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver, Canada.
Right To Play, founded by four-time Olympic Gold medalist and current CEO Johann Olav Koss, uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Currently, Right To Play has projects in over twenty countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Its programs target the most vulnerable, including young girls, the disabled, children affected by HIV and AIDS, street children, former child combatants and refugees.
“Aegon is honored to join with Right To Play in improving the lives of children who are forced to endure some of the most desperate circumstances around the world,” said Aegon CEO Alexander Wynaendts. “We are committed to making a difference in the communities where we work and live, and also in places where we may not necessarily be active in business but where we can still help to create better futures through respected and effective organizations such as Right To Play.”
Right To Play was built in the 1990s on the power and values of sport, demonstrated by the engagement of Athlete Ambassadors from more than 40 countries who serve as positive role models and advocates for children. Aegon has long sponsored high-achieving athletes to support athletic excellence and reinforce the value it places on teamwork, communication, respect and trust. The relationship between Aegon and Right To Play dates back to 2004, when Aegon’s Dutch organization – Aegon The Netherlands – signed a three year partnership. Among the activities developed by Aegon The Netherlands to raise funds for and awareness about Right To Play is the annual Aegon Right To Play Run for its business partners, employees and their families. Proceeds of the event in 2007, totaling EUR 340,000, have been used to support Right To Play activities in regions affected by war, poverty and disease.
Johann Olav Koss stated: “The relationship that Aegon and Right To Play have built up over the last 4 years has proven itself as a golden combination. With the expansion of the partnership, we are now entering a new phase in which Aegon will support Right To Play in implementing sports and play projects and building capacity and programs as a basis for future growth of the organization. The long-term commitment of Aegon and the passionate involvement of its employees is a great example of a worldwide respected company taking its social responsibility by contributing to communities in the most disadvantaged areas in the world.”
In addition to supporting Right To Play, Aegon also funds international cancer research, and other education, social and civic organizations aimed at addressing quality of life issues and creating opportunity for people and communities in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
