The Manx Solidarity Fund is being backed by insurance companies in the island.

The fund was set up in response to the Covid-19 crisis and its patron is the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney.

Now Zurich International has donated £30,000 to the fund which is a Manx-registered charitable trust.

And the Manx Insurance Association (MIA), which represents all authorised life assurance companies in the island, has vowed to support the charity.

Peter Huber, chief executive, Zurich International, said: ’The Manx Solidarity Fund is an initiative which we wholeheartedly support.

’It will play a vital role in helping people and organisations facing difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

’We recognise the importance of giving back to the community in which we live and work, as do all of our Zurich Insurance group colleagues around the world.

’Every year we support a range of charities, sustainability projects, and innovation initiatives here in the island - but there has never been a more important initiative than the Manx Solidarity Fund.

’The Isle of Man is renowned for its resilience and resourcefulness and the fund is a great example of how the whole community is working together in this time of unprecedented challenges.’

Zurich has been operating in the Isle of Man since 1982 and now employs around 300 staff at its headquarters - Zurich House - at Isle of Man Business Park.

MIA chairman Peter Kenny said: ’The Manx Solidarity Fund is a fantastic initiative which will provide support to those most in need during the current crisis and its aftermath. We are proud to be supporting the fund and on behalf of the MIA I would like to thank our members for their contributions.’

Member companies of the MIA are making their own individual contributions to the fund.

Melanie Kermeen, director, Manx Solidarity Fund, said: ’The Manx Solidarity Fund aims to deliver much-needed support to the causes and individuals in the island who need it most.

’Thanks to the generosity of Zurich International and our other donors, we will make a difference for people who are currently facing hardship. The overwhelming response to the fund truly shows how our island community can come together to face this challenge.’

She added: ’We are also immensely thankful to the Manx Insurance Association for the support of its members.’