United Planet and Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sent Volunteers Abroad

July 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Contact: Mary Babic
Marketing and Communications Director
617-267-7763
Mary@unitedplanet.org


Boston, MA (July 18, 2011) – United Planet recently partnered with Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, SA (Flagstone) to send a diverse group of employees on a Volunteer Abroad Program in a Romanian orphanage.  For two weeks, the group did manual labor projects, worked with children and disabled individuals, and traveled to cultural sites in the area (such as Dracula’s Castle).  Ian McKillop, Deputy Risk Manager for Flagstone, led the group of seven employees from four Flagstone offices: Bermuda, Halifax, Hyderabad and London.  

Over the past four years, United Planet has organized several similar programs for “Flagstone Without Borders,” an initiative created by McKillop to appreciate cultural diversity and support disadvantaged communities.  

“We were thrilled to work with Flagstone for a fourth year,” says Theresa Higgs, Vice President of Global Operations at United Planet.  “In every program, the Flagstone group brought not only a wealth of diversity to their host community, but also a strong work ethic.  Our Coordinators have raved about this group's accomplishments and attitudes.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with Flagstone, a unique and dedicated company.”

Previously, “Flagstone Without Borders” traveled to India, Cambodia and Costa Rica.  For this trip, United Planet linked Flagstone with a Romania-based organization that provides housing for orphaned, abandoned and learning-disabled individuals, among others.  Describing the culture and tight-knit community of the organization, McKillop noted that “as soon as one of the children won a chocolate bar for winning ‘Dance Freeze,’ he immediately opened the treat and offered a piece to all other children…”

“It often surprises volunteers when there is so much generosity of spirit in places that are so poor in many ways,” notes Higgs. “United Planet is about bringing people together where they can connect in meaningful ways and learn things both great and small about each other. We’re really happy that Ian and Flagstone continue to engage in this process.”

About Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A.

Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A., through its operating subsidiaries, is a global reinsurance and insurance company that employs a focused and technical approach to the Property Catastrophe, Property, and Specialty reinsurance and insurance businesses.
The Company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FSR" and the Bermuda Stock Exchange under the symbol "FSR BH". Additional financial information and other items of interest are available at the Company's website located at http://www.flagstonere.com.  

About United Planet

United Planet, an international non-profit based in Boston, MA, strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders.

Founded in 2001, United Planet has worked with local communities all over the world to find meaningful work for volunteer travelers. United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, founded in 1949. For more information visit http://www.unitedplanet.org