Northwestern Mutual launches volunteer campaign

Ed Zore, chairman and chief executive officer of Northwestern Mutual will retire in July. As a departing gift to his employees, Zore has kicked off a company-wide philanthropic campaign to give 1 million volunteer minutes back to the community.
“The tradition in our company is that parting CEO’s present a gift to the employees. Ed Zore is very passionate about the community, and has offered the gift of time to the 5,000 employees at Northwestern Mutual,” said Kimberley Goode, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.
Zore has promised the employees of Northwestern Mutual four hours of paid time off that they can use to contribute to the community by volunteering in ways that match their interest, Goode said.
“The ‘Leaving a Legacy’ volunteer program aligns well with Ed’s values,” Goode said. “Ed and his wife Diane have always been very actively involved with the community and the organizations here.”
On Tuesday, June 1 Zore joined more than 200 employees, volunteers and kids to build a playground at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee’s Camp Whitcomb/Mason in Hartland. The event kicked of the Leaving a Legacy campaign that will continue throughout the year.
“Throughout my career, I’ve found it important to offer my knowledge and my time to help community organizations achieve worthwhile goals,” said Zore. “No company recognizes the value of securing future generations more than Northwestern Mutual. And now, our employees have the opportunity to increase their volunteer commitment and help others reach their full potential.”
As part of the event on Tuesday, Zore also presented 40 Metro-Milwaukee children with scholarships to attend Whitcomb Mason’s resident camp and 40 additional kids the opportunity to attend the day camp.
“Throughout this economic environment, many companies have had to make changes and one of the things we’re really proud of here is that we really weather the economic storm in a way that allowed us to stay true to our values and stay true to our commitments in the community,” Goode said. “That is a true testament the the culture of this company, and one that Ed Zore helped to create, one that teaches people to do good and give back wither in good times or challenging ones.”