The Western Financial Group Communities Foundation - the charitable arm of Western Financial Group – has revealed that, as of December 2022, over $5 million has been invested back into its local communities since 2001.
In a Press release, the foundation revealed that its mission has been to ‘positively impact people, ignite pride within our communities, and offer employees an easy way to give back to their communities all year long’.
Every year Western employees nominate a project within their community to receive a $5,000 Foundation Infrastructure Grant. In 2022, Kenny Nicholls, president and CEO of Western Financial Group and president of the foundation’s board, announced that all 69 submitted applications would receive a grant, totalling $345,000.
“The Western Communities Foundation plays a pivotal role in strengthening the communities in which Western serves,” said Nicholls. “This is a grassroots initiative where our employees know where we can offer our support, and they nominate these community organizations that can benefit.”
“These organizations and projects were selected and nominated by our teams across Canada,” added LaPlante, director of the foundation. “It is extremely touching to be able to end 2022 giving back to all of these projects, which will enhance each of our communities.”
The foundation also announced the appointment of two new board members to the position of vice-president - Kristy Rachkowski, chief people and culture officer of Western Financial Group and Craig Kozlowski, chief information officer of Western Financial Group.
“After joining Western, I learned about the impacts the Foundation has made over its 21-year history. It made me feel proud to be part of an organization that recognizes the importance of supporting and enriching our communities,” said Rachkowski. “Having grown up in a small, close-knit community, I know firsthand how important it is to be there to support one another in times of need and improve the lives of others.”
“Giving back to where we live and raise our family is important to me,” added Kozlowski. “I am excited to be appointed to the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation Board of Directors to support this important work.”
