The holiday season is a time to give back, and the insurance industry is stepping up through a variety of impactful initiatives. Whether through toy drives, donations to disaster relief funds, or supporting local charities, companies across the sector are finding meaningful ways to give back to their communities. These efforts not only provide crucial support to those in need but also showcase the industry's commitment to making a positive difference during challenging times.
Here’s how leaders in the industry, including Canada’s Mitch Insurance and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA), are inspiring others with their charitable actions this holiday season.
This year has been particularly difficult for agents and brokers, with natural disasters causing extensive damage across the United States and Canada. Hurricanes Milton and Helene have led to widespread destruction, with recent estimates placing total losses from both hurricanes at an astounding $55 billion, while the Jasper wildfire and hailstorms in Calgary tore through Canada.
Independent agents, in particular, have been hit hard, forced to navigate a difficult balancing act of supporting their clients while simultaneously trying to recover from the financial strain of ongoing hurricanes themselves. The overwhelming surge in claims, coupled with the ongoing recovery efforts, has placed significant pressure on smaller agencies that often lack the resources of larger firms.
In response, the IIABA’s national team is focusing on supporting the Trusted Choice Relief Fund this holiday season. This grant program provides critical assistance to independent agents, brokers, and other insurance professionals impacted by floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. Grants cover essential recovery needs such as accommodations, transportation, equipment replacement, and supplies.
“Since its inception in 2007, the fund has distributed millions of dollars in critical assistance,” shared Susan Bonner, vice president marketing and communications at the IIABA.
“Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we’ve received more than $1.2 million in donations, processed nearly 350 grant applications and distributed more than $500,000 to help insurance professionals recover and continue serving their clients and communities,” Bonner added.
In addition to helping agents receive support, the IIABA also provides opportunities for agents to give back to their communities. The firm’s National Young Agents Committee launched the Give Movement in 2018, an initiative held annually from June 1–10. The campaign encourages independent agents, carriers, and state associations to contribute to their local communities, sharing their acts of service on social media with the hashtag #TCAGENTSGIVE.
Activities range from volunteering at food banks and packing backpacks for children to supporting veterans and hosting local fundraisers. “While the Give Movement takes place over one week, it serves as an important reminder of the year-round commitment agents have to their communities,” said Bonner.
Mitch Insurance has embraced the season of giving by supporting the Abilities Center in Whitby, Ontario, a local organization dedicated to making communities more accessible and inclusive. The charity offers a wide range of programs that help individuals of all abilities participate in recreational, social, and economic life.
One of the center’s 2025 initiatives is creating a wheelchair charging station, which will help increase mobility and facilitate more meaningful interactions for their members. To support this project, Mitch is purchasing two chargers for the station.
“Movement is something that I’m personally very passionate about and it’s also a topic we’ve started to explore more as a business, especially since we operate in a fully-remote environment,” shared Desiree Minielly, director of marketing at Mitch Insurance.
“The benefits of movement and being active to people’s physical, emotional and mental well-being are undeniable, which made supporting this organization an easy and meaningful decision for all of us,” Minielly continued.
In addition to corporate giving, Mitch holds an annual holiday raffle where all proceeds go to local charities. Since 2018, the team has donated over $13,000, and this year’s raffle, taking place on December 19, will also benefit the Abilities Centre, helping Mitch make an even bigger impact this holiday season.
“We hope our efforts inspire other businesses to do the same. It’s rewarding to know you’re making someone’s day a little brighter and their life a little better,” said Minielly.
During the busy holiday season, when the rush to close out Q4 can be overwhelming, taking time to support meaningful causes brings tangible benefits to insurance organizations. While media exposure and brand recognition are valuable, the real value lies in the positive effects on team dynamics.
Minielly reflected: “For us, one of the biggest benefits of giving back during the holiday season – is the positive impact it has on our teammates. Working together to support our community increases team morale, engagement, and gives everyone a sense of pride. This is something we see year after year.”
“Our industry is built on helping people – especially during challenging times. But this goes deeper than just selling insurance,” said Minielly.
