iA Financial Group has donated a total of $500,000 to a dozen of charities that are contributing to addressing societal problems during its eighth annual philanthropic contest.
Four charities – the grand prize winners – will receive $100,000 each in donations, plus another $5,000 for being among the four favourite charities voted by the company’s employees.
This year’s contest focused on societal issues, including homelessness, food insecurity, dropping out of school, addictions, violence, discrimination, mental illness and isolation.
The grand prize winners were: La rue des Femmes Foundation in Montreal, which helps offer a fresh start to women experiencing homelessness and trauma; Food4Kids Halton in Burlington, which helps combat childhood hunger and support vulnerable families in the region; Vancouver Food Runners in Vancouver, which supports communities by organizing food drives, and Qajugturvik Community Food Centre in Iqaluit, which supports the local community food centre’s food access and educational programs.
The other eight finalists, who received $10,000 each are as follows:
Commenting on this year’s contest, Denis Ricard, president and chief executive of iA Financial, said: “Each year, we are deeply moved and impressed by the inspiring proposals submitted to our philanthropic contest by charities from all regions of Canada. I am proud that iA Financial Group plays a significant role in supporting charitable efforts across the country.”
Last year, the company also donated $500,000 to charities for the seventh edition of its annual philanthropic contest.
iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada. Earlier this year, it acquired two blocks of business from Prosperity Life Group in the US.
