AEGON donates £25,000 to Maggie's

Staff at Edinburgh-based life and pensions company, AEGON UK, have donated £75,000 to three charities - Maggie's, Simpson's Memory Box Appeal and St John's Hospital Oncology Unit.

The money was raised by AEGON UK’s employees during 2010, through regular fundraising events such as “dress down” days, quizzes and raffles.

Maggie's was one of the charities selected following an employee vote late in 2009, from a list of over 70 nominations. A number of employees lent their support to various charities, including a member of staff at AEGON who has used the Maggie's Centre in Edinburgh.

Gill Scott, AEGON UK’s Director of Human Resources said, "It has been an impressive year in terms of fundraising activity. Many of our employees put an immense amount of work into ensuring that fundraising efforts were a success.

“AEGON UK employees are thrilled to be able to contribute to these three worthwhile charities, who do such valuable work within our community.”

Gemma McDonald, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Maggie's said, “We are so grateful for the time and effort everyone at Aegon has put into raising money for Maggie’s. The money raised will make a huge difference to our cancer support centre in Edinburgh, it will fund 1,000 visits to our centre by people with cancer and their family and friends.

"People visit our centre for Benefits Advice, counselling, practical workshops like nutrition classes and also professional information and advice. This donation will make a big difference to lives of people affected by cancer in and around Edinburgh.”

Maggie's and the other nominated charities received their cheques last week at a ceremony held at the AEGON headquarters in Edinburgh. The ceremony was attended by AEGON UK Chief Executive Otto Thoresen, Gill Scott, members of the AEGON Charity Committee and representatives from the three nominated charities.