Alterra and the Community

Alterra is committed to having a positive influence on the communities in which it operates and continues to provide financial support for charities, activities and events that we believe effectively address clear social, educational and healthcare issues in Bermuda and around the world.

Making Higher Education a Possibility

At Alterra, 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.

Additionally, Alterra Capital Europe supports initiatives undertaken by Dublin City University and, in particular, its Access Programme. Privately funded by individuals and organizations like Alterra Capital 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.

Alterra Capital Europe is proud to have invested in the Access Programme since 2005 and will continue to work towards helping young people reach their full potential through higher education. For more information please click here.

Other Donations

In 2009, 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, Alterra also commits to supporting programmes that encourage youth development.

So we donate 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.

Alterra is proud to report that Kristen Greene, a high school student, and grandson of 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 Alterra 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 in 2009 took part in Tall Ship Atlantic Challenge. Kristen loves the sea now, and hopes to pursue a marine career. He truly reflects the reasons why we support the Bermuda Sloop Foundation. Alterra 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.

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. Alterra 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

Alterra 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 certain contributions by employees to recognized non-political and non-religious charities.

Alterra Capital 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 Alterra’s Bermuda staff also provides mentorship to ABIC scholarship awardees.

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