As the nation gathers in unison to honor the sacrifices made by past and present service members, brokers may feel inspired to engage in more initiatives that benefit the Canadian Armed Forces.
Some organizations have discovered are a number of ways to do so, beyond the official ceremonies that take place on Remembrance Day every year.
Jones Deslauriers Insurance Management Inc (JDIMI), for example, contributes time and money to the True Patriot Love Foundation, a national organization that raises funds for veterans and their families in such areas as mental health, rehabilitation and the re-acclamation back to civilian life.
One of the foundation’s tribute dinners, held every year at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, is a particularly meaningful way for JDIMI’s brokers to engage in efforts that benefit Canadian service members.
“I always knew about Remembrance Day and learned about it in school, but actually attending that event and listening to the families’ stories are quite an inspiration,” said Sandi Pires, private client services advisor, JDIMI.
The event particularly resonates with the brokerage since many employees and senior leaders have close ties with friends and family members who served in the military.
“We have historical ties to veterans and their families, so we appreciate any opportunity to support a group that doesn’t receive as much recognition as they should, other than on Remembrance Day,” she said.
In addition, brokerages may want to follow the example set by
Allstate Canada, which is led by an executive who served in the military as a helicopter pilot and flight operations officer. The insurer recently partnered with Canada Company to join the Military Employment Transition (MET) Program – a coalition that seeks to employ 10,000 veterans by 2023.
Not only does this provide assistance to veterans, but Allstate believes that it benefits their own operations as well.
“Working towards hiring veterans and helping them transition from the armed services into civilian life makes us a better organization,” said John O’Donnell, president and CEO, Allstate Canada. “It gives us the chance to work with men and women who are especially disciplined, dedicated and bringing many transferrable skills that would make them a valuable addition to any organization. Our military members have dedicated themselves to serving their country, when they are ready to leave military service we should be there willing and able to help them with that transition.”
O’Donnell admits that transitioning back to civilian life can be “challenging,” and is grateful for the chance to participate in such an invaluable program.
“It’s a small way for us to give back to the members of our armed services all year round,” he said.
But whether it’s hiring veterans, raising money or volunteering time, Pires just hopes to see more and more of her peer organizations joining in similar endeavors as those undertaken by Allstate and JDIMI.
“I think once people hear their stories and are aware of the sacrifices that veterans make for us, then they can develop a true appreciation of those who served and how much they gave for our country,” she said.
