Scotland Rugby Star Launches Kwik Fit Insurance Charity of the Year 2010

GLASGOW, Scotland, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Glasgow Warriors and Scotland international rugby star Johnnie Beattie took time out from training for the crucial upcoming Six Nations test against England to help launch the Kwik Fit Insurance Charity of the Year  2010.

Kwik Fit Insurance, one of the UK's leading insurance intermediaries, has pledged its support to Rutherglen High School, which provides education to children with additional support needs.

The school, which recently relocated to Cambuslang in Lanarkshire, described the news as 'like winning the lottery.' Staff have been trying to attract funding to buy a school bus with a wheelchair lift, and also planned to build a sensory room in the school and a sensory garden in the grounds.

Over the next year, Kwik Fit Insurance employees will dedicate their regular fund-raising efforts to Rutherglen High School, and there will also be opportunities from volunteers from the company to assist with building the sensory garden and working with the school on a variety of activities and events throughout the year.

Rugby back row, Johnnie Beattie, an ever present for Scotland this season, said he was delighted to be a part of the new fund-raising campaign.

He said: "Rutherglen High School is a crucial part of the lives of the children and families who use it, and additional resources are always welcome at any school, so it gives me great pleasure to be associated with the partnership with Kwik Fit Insurance.

"Having spoken to the members of staff at the school, I know the funds raised by Kwik Fit Insurance will be a major boost and will have real positive benefits for the pupils and teachers."

Earlier this month, Brendan Devine, group managing director of Kwik Fit Financial Services, presented 2009 charity of the year Kidney Research UK, with a cheque for pounds Sterling 44,000.

Jan Allan, head teacher at Rutherglen High School, said: "For us to have the backing of a company like Kwik Fit Insurance feels like winning the lottery. The money raised by the company will have a huge impact on the school and will bring terrific benefits to our pupils.

"The sensory room and garden will be fantastic resources for effective teaching and learning, and the bus will help us take the children on residential school trips. We believe that it's important to celebrate achievement in whatever form it takes and these additional resources will be a major boost in helping the children hit new milestones."

Brendan Devine added: "Rutherglen High School is a cornerstone of the community in Lanarkshire and we wanted to do something which would make a real difference to the lives of the children who already receive such fantastic support from the teachers and staff there.

"Our employees are hugely passionate about helping the school and we're all looking forward to getting involved."

Kwik Fit Insurance are now planning a series of challenging fundraising events for 2010 for their staff to take part in to help raise the target amount by the end of the year.

Note To Editors

Kwik Fit Insurance Services was launched in 1995 and has grown to become one of the UK's leading motor insurance distributors, as well as a major presence in home, car insurance and other insurance markets.

The company's award-winning call centre in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, now employs almost 1000 people, and was named top insurer (17th overall) in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2009.

Since its launch in 1995, Kwik Fit Insurance Services has grown and developed into one of Scotland's most dynamic contact centres.

Kwik Fit Insurance Services is part of the Kwik Fit Group owned by private equity firm PAI Partners.

The philosophy of the business is to provide the best possible service to customers. For more information visit http://www.kwik-fitinsurance.com.

SOURCE Kwik-Fit Insurance