The QBE Foundation has donated around $90,000 to Save the Children Canada to assist remote Métis communities heavily impacted by the wildfires that ravaged Alberta this summer, while iA Financial Group has kicked off the eighth edition of its nationwide philanthropic contest.
The funding from the QBE Foundation is a combination of contributions from its European branch, which donated $45,731, and its global office, which provided AU$50,000. The proceeds are helping to bolster Save the Children’s ongoing disaster relief initiatives.
Partnering with the Métis Nation of Alberta, Save the Children is delivering 150 emergency kits to families displaced by the wildfires. Each kit is designed to meet the basic needs of around 600 individuals, containing essentials such as food, clothing, and educational supplies for children.
In addition to the immediate relief efforts, Save the Children will host a session to educate QBE employees about its National Reconciliation Program. The session will offer insights into the priorities Indigenous communities have for their children and encourage employees to become advocates for children’s rights.
Meanwhile, iA Financial Group is running its nationwide philanthropic contest from September 10 to October 14. Charitable organizations are invited to submit their proposals outlining how they would utilize a $100,000 donation. The most compelling submissions will be selected to share a total of $500,000, which will help fund their projects or advance their missions.
This year, the contest is centred around addressing critical societal challenges. Donations will target charities working to alleviate issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, school dropouts, addiction, violence, discrimination, mental health problems, and social isolation.
Denis Ricard, president and chief executive of iA Financial Group, said: “Every year, our philanthropic contest is a most inspiring event, as we have the opportunity to see the remarkable efforts that organizations across the country are making to improve the lives of Canadians.
“We’re so proud that this contest has become a source of renewed pride every year and we can continue to support causes that are so essential to our society.”
The contest is open to organizations that operate within the fields of health, education, environment, or social services. A selection committee will choose 12 finalists, who will be announced on November 4. The public will have the chance to vote for their preferred charities until November 27.
Participating charities are classified under four regions: Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic/Northern Canada. The top charity in each region, as determined by public votes, will receive $100,000, while the remaining eight finalists will each get $10,000. Additionally, the organizations favoured by iA Financial Group employees will receive a $5,000 donation. The winners will be announced in December.
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