Windham Flood Relief Receives Boost From Guardian

WINDHAM, 09/22/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today joined officials with The Guardian Life Insurance Company in announcing special funding to assist flood victims in storm damaged Windham.

“Guardian is setting the example for how good neighbors treat one another in times of tragedy,” Seward said. “Touring storm damaged portions of my district, including Windham, I have witnessed people banding together – neighbors helping neighbors, strangers helping strangers – with a common goal of rebuilding.  Guardian is clearly on the front line of the reconstruction effort.”

Guardian, a mutual life insurance company based in New York City, donated $5,000 to the Windham Area Recreation Foundation (WARF), a local non-profit working to help Windham residents adversely affected by the storms.  Although Guardian is based in Lower Manhattan, many Guardian families spend time in Windham, enjoying the skiing, art and music.  Some even have homes here.

“Windham is a beautiful community made up of hardworking people who look out for one another and Guardian’s efforts are an example of that collective spirit,” said John Hurley, vice president of government relations at Guardian. “During trying times like these, it’s important for everyone to pull together to do what’s right. At Guardian, we believe in doing the right thing and helping restore Windham is the right thing to do.”

Tom Healy, Guardian’s head of group sales in the Albany region, including Windham, has worked at Guardian for 22 years, over 11 of them in the area and expressed his solidarity with the Windham community.  “I know first-hand what wonderful people live here,” he said.  “I am pleased that Guardian is participating in helping Windham get back on its feet.”

WARF board member Nick Bove accepted the funds on the organization’s behalf.  “We are proud to partner with Guardian in this generous act of good will,” he said.

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