Max and the Community

Making Higher Education A Possibility

At Max, we firmly believe that talented young people should not be prevented from pursuing higher education because of the financial barriers and burdens that such an education may sometimes present. That is why we are committed to supporting many programmes that work toward helping out. To this end, we regularly contribute to the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies, Knowledge Quest and the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) Education Awards.

In 2008, we were particularly proud to sponsor an ABIC/Max Capital Scholarship Award presented to Rondrica Butterfield, whose career goal is to become an Actuary. Rondrica had delayed her further education while she worked to assist in financing it. Now studying at Acadia University, she believes that being selected as an award recipient will open doors for her and bring her one step closer to reaching her goal. Max is most pleased to help!

Max also continues to support Peter Sousa, a Max Scholarship recipient. Having assisted Max Bermuda’s Technology and Systems team on a part-time basis while at high school, Peter is now studying at the University of Hartford and working at Max during vacations. He has committed to continue his association with Max after he has finished his studies.

Additionally, Max Europe supports initiatives undertaken by Dublin City University and, in particular, its Access Programme. Privately funded by individuals and organizations like Max Europe, the Programme awards scholarships to young people from under-served areas of Ireland to help them take their rightful place at the University, especially in cases where socio-economic disadvantage may have otherwise prevented them from doing so.

Max Europe is proud to have invested in the Access Programme for the last four years and will continue to work towards helping young people reach their full potential through higher education.

Other Donations

In 2008, we also made significant donations to: The Family Learning Center, The Center for Talented Youth, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, PALS, Raleigh International, Bermuda TB Cancer and Health, The Bermuda 2009 Charitable Trust, The Bermuda National Gallery, The Bermuda National Trust, The Bermuda School of Performing Arts and The Bermuda School of Music.

Sailing to Success

In line with our commitment to help deserving students attain higher education, Max also commits to supporting programmes that encourage youth development.

So, in 2008, we donated a substantial sum to the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, which operates the sail training vessel “Spirit of Bermuda”. The Foundation’s vision is to provide superior youth development to large numbers of Bermudian youth using the Spirit as a unique, dynamic '24/7' community and classroom. After just over two years of operation, Spirit has provided training for over 700 young people and sailed over 12,000 miles on ten overseas voyages.

Max is proud to report that Kristen Greene, a high school student, and grandson of Max Bermuda’s Noreena Vickers, was the recipient of the 2008 Most Valuable Skiller award for his contributions on Spirit of Bermuda .

In addition to helping out at Max after school, Kristen is a young sailor onboard Spirit, who to date has logged over 2,500 nautical miles in ocean crossings, and he is just turning 16 this year! He has received many honors, including being part of the Overseas Youth Crew in 2007, serving as Boson's mate in 2008, and he will take part in Tall Ship Atlantic Challenge this summer. Kristen loves the sea now, and hopes to pursue a marine career. He truly reflects the reasons why we support the Bermuda Sloop Foundation. Max looks forward to a long and close relationship with the Spirit, a vessel that is based on those built in Bermuda between 1810 and 1840 and that is a fine tribute to Bermuda’s maritime heritage.

In 2008, Max was a sponsor of the King Edward VII Gold Cup, an international sailing event that attracts many of the world's top yachtsmen, including several America's Cup skippers. Just like the Spirit of Bermuda, the Gold Cup is an important part of Bermuda’s maritime heritage, being the oldest match-racing trophy in the world for competition involving one-design yachts. For the Gold Cup 2009, Max again supported the Max Sailing Team, skippered by Blythe Walker, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Max. Entirely amateur, yet competing against full-time professional yachtsmen, the Max Sailing Team has distinguished itself with its results and serves as an excellent example of teamwork and practice being the cornerstones of success.

To view advert placed in support of the Max Sailing Team, click here. 

For Those in Need

Helping those people who unfortunately find it difficult to supply their most basic needs should be a priority for us all. Max Specialty’s Richmond office recognizes this and has for the last two years supported the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program. Aimed at providing new clothes and toys for the children of needy families, the Program helps thousands of disadvantaged children enjoy the holiday season each year.

Our Employees and the Community

Max encourages its employees to become personally involved in the community and to support charities around the world. In this regard, our Matching Gifts Programme will match all contributions by employees to recognized non-political and non-religious charities up to $20,000 per employee per annum.

Max Europe also supports three of its staff who recently joined a new mentorship programme for second year students in Accounting/Finance and International Business at Dublin City University. The mentors share experiences with students and motivate and support them in reaching their objectives at the University.

A number of Max Bermuda staff also provides mentorship to ABIC scholarship awardees.

Max congratulates all its employees who freely give of themselves for the betterment of the communities in which they live.