Zurich Australia is helping The Smith Family to assist disadvantaged young people participate fully in their education through the charity’s Learning for Life program.

Zurich will make an annual corporate donation, host fundraisers and give staff opportunities to assist the charity.

It is important for organisations like Zurich to help their communities, says CEO General Insurance Shane Doyle.

“Our staff have told us clearly that they want the opportunity to make a difference and that children and education are deeply important to them.”

Smith Family CEO Lisa O’Brien says the partnership will level the playing field for disadvantaged children and support their education.

Last year Zurich donated $US100 million ($96.6 million) to its in-house charity, Z Zurich Foundation.