CGU Insurance has donated $1 million to start a charitable foundation.

The company has pledged further contributions, while staff can donate from their pay and join fundraising and volunteering activities.

The CGU Foundation will focus on health, education, people in need and the environment.

The insurer has “a proud history of contributing to the community for more than 160 years”, CEO Peter Harmer says.

“The foundation formalises this work and enables us to put greater focus and commitment to supporting the communities in which we work and live.”

Ron Dobell has been appointed Chairman of the foundation, which launched in Melbourne last Thursday.