SWINDON CARES has been given a £1,200 boost even before the serious fundraising has started.

The initiative aims to raise £10,000 for three local charities during Swindon Cares week - seven dedicated days of moneymaking activities, which starts on Saturday.

Working For Oppor-tunities, a charity that helps disabled people gain equality in the workplace, has donated a percentage of its fees for an online training course, Web-equality. The course raises awareness about disability and the charity is donating £1 to Swindon Cares for every place booked on it between now and the end of the year.

Zurich Financial Services has already booked 1,200 places for managers as part of their diversity training.

The website, which was officially launched yesterday at the Hilton Hotel, is based on the face-to face training courses that WFO has been providing for some time. It was developed by Zurich IT worker Leslie Courtis so people can learn at their own pace.

Swindon Cares is supported by Nationwide, Zurich, GWR Community Trust, the Rotary Club of Swindon, Swindon Council, the Swindon Chamber and the Evening Advertiser. Find out more about Swindon Cares by contacting Pam Webb on (01793) 502450 or e-mail her at pam.webb@ uk.zurich.com.