Foresters UK Teams Up with Operation Shoebox UK to Support Serving Soldiers

KENT, ENGLAND, April 19, 2013 (Press-News.org) Foresters, the international financial services organisation, are proud to announce that they have partnered up with Operation Shoebox UK - an innovative mission which supports serving soldiers by sending them shoeboxes of necessities and goodies.

The idea of Operation Shoebox UK is simple - yet makes such a huge difference to the troops in Afghanistan - providing them with a shoebox full of much needed basics (such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and foot powder) to goodies (such as magazines, pens, and hot chocolate).

Most importantly, it reminds them that they are not forgotten.

Alexis Bovington, Membership Development Manager at Foresters, says: "As part of the partnership, we are asking our volunteer members to host their own events to create these boxes.

"Our volunteers will be asked to pack the boxes, and decorate them, and also write a personal message to include to the soldiers. If they want, volunteers can include their address for the soldiers to write back to them".

Two events are already planned for June in Birmingham and Huddersfield, with more in the pipeline, supported by volunteers both from Foresters and Operation Shoebox UK.

Alexis adds: "These events are open for anyone to attend and we encourage anyone who can help - whether in time or by donating items - to get in touch.

"We are very excited about this partnership. It will create fun events for our members, their families and their communities, of all ages and abilities, to volunteer and get involved. It is an opportunity for adults and children to give something back, as well as remind serving soldiers that they have not been forgotten".

To find out more about Operation Shoebox UK, visit www.operationshoebox.co.uk.

At Foresters we believe in enriching the lives of our members, their families and the communities they live in. We're member-based, family-focused, and community spirited.

Our products benefit both your family and your community. We champion the well-being of families through quality financial products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities.

We share our financial strength with over one million members across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Throughout our 135-year history, our purpose has been to enrich the lives of members, their families and communities. The priorities remain today and will guide our future.

As an example, our work with Cash for Kids in their 2012 Mission Christmas Appeal helped over 250,000 children to have a better Christmas and granted GBP5.3m in cash, gifts and toys to local children.

Forester Life has funds under management of GBP1bn* and is part of Foresters, the international financial services organisation. Internationally, Foresters has over GBP10bn* funds under management and has been assigned an 'A' excellent rating by A.M. Best.**

Safeguarding our members' interests is at the heart of what we do. Being financially strong and responsive, with sound governance and continuing professional service have always helped us to protect our members' benefits.

*As at 31 January 2013

**An 'A' excellent rating is assigned to companies that have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders and have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best Company. In assigning Foresters rating A.M. Best stated that Foresters outlook rating is 'stable', which means it is unlikely to change in the near future, assuming Foresters financial strength is maintained and operations grow. A.M. Best assigns rating from A to F, A being superior and A and A- being excellent ratings. This rating was assigned on 6 July 2012. Our International Head Office is located at 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9.