Nov. 5, 2020
Our teams across Canada are passionate supporters of our Western Financial Group Communities Foundation. As insurance experts, adding strength to the places where we gather just makes sense. It’s because we live here — we’re your neighbours as well.
Giving back through our Community gives us more reasons to be proud of our communities. Whether it’s the farmers market or hockey rink, local gathering sites help us connect with each other, showcase our community pride and foster sustainable growth.
Since 2004, we’ve invested over $1,390,000 towards projects nationwide. We’re excited to introduce you to a few we’ve supported by way of grant funding. Learn more about our teams at Western Financial Group and Western Coast Insurance Services and how they give back today.
Barrhead Regional Aquatic Centre
Our branch in Barrhead, Alberta was awarded a $5,000 infrastructure grant and donated it to the Barrhead Regional Aquatic Centre in 2019. A project that was not only important to the community, but also our people, it provides a low impact environment for all families to enjoy. The centre features a 6-lane competition pool, zero depth entry pool, splash pool, 20-person hot tub, steam room and lazy river.
Central Saanich – Newman Farm
Our Western Coast employees in Central Saanich put their $5,000 infrastructure grant toward the Field to Plate initiative in 2018. This project from The Farmland Trust Society has Newman Farm volunteers growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. These are then donated to Our Place Society, which provides meals to people experiencing homelessness. In 2016, their teams donated over $16,000 of squash, turnips, beets, apples and plums. They have also teamed up with a local farmer to develop a small sheep operation on the property. Staff members are proud to support a much-needed program that provides healthy farm-grown food to those in need throughout Victoria.
Elkford Enhancement Society Playground
Our Western Financial Group branch in Elkford, British Columbia supported the Elkford Enhancement Society with building a community playground. We presented their representatives with a $5,000 infrastructure grant awarded through our Western Financial Group Communities Foundation. Building this playground meant a great deal to our staff and community members.
Refurbishing Gilby the Golf Ball in Gilbert Plains
Gilby the Golf Ball is the face of Gilbert Plains, Manitoba — home to one of the best 18-hole golf courses in the province. Once a little weathered and worn down, it was great to be awarded the infrastructure grant that helped see Gilby sparkling clean once more.
Nancy Beattie, our branch manager, said the support received during fundraising was wonderful.
“Gilby is our community mascot and it was great to be able to support the project to refurbish him to his original glory,” she said.
Grande Cache “Sheldon Cotes” Playground
In 2018, our Grand Cache Western Financial Group branch was awarded an infrastructure grant, which was used to help build a new playground at Sheldon Cotes Elementary School. Our team consists of four people, all of whom are moms first. These four moms either have children currently enrolled at the school, kids who previously attended or who will be learning there in the future. The new playground has provided youngsters a gathering point for recess, as well as during evenings and weekends.
Tulista Skate Park – Sidney
Our Sidney branch invested a $5,000 infrastructure grant toward developing the Tulista Skate Park. It’s a fun, safe, oceanside hang out for all ages. It is a thrill for our team, now Western Coast Insurance Services, to support this facility that our children used in the past, and now can continue to be enjoyed safely by future generations.
Sidney School – Agriculture Program and Outdoor Classroom
Educators at Sidney Elementary School developed an agriculture program and an outdoor classroom to teach youth about self-sustaining gardening. Much is grown in the garden, including potatoes, peas, lettuce, pumpkins, raspberries, loganberries, sunflowers, corn etc. The garden has become part of the students’ morning class. We join them in their belief that the children will not only thrive, but learn better outdoors. Our Sidney branch team at Western Coast Insurance Services was honoured to fundraise for the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation as well as award a $5,000 infrastructure grant toward this project.
Homma Elementary Playground – Steveston
Our team in Steveston, British Columbia couldn’t wait to support Homma Elementary School. The $5,000 grant from the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation went toward redeveloping the school’s playground. The students as well as kids in the community have benefited from having a safer, bigger and newer park nearby.
Songting Lu, our assistant branch manager, knows how important it is to give back.
“The Steveston team is very proud to have an opportunity to be involved in the local community and make a difference in the students and children’s outdoor adventures,” she said.
Wainwright Splash Park
In 2009, the Western Financial Group Wainwright branch focused their fundraising on the local Rotary Club Splash Park. All their hard work paid off as they donated over $2,600 to the project. Not only is the splash park a huge attraction for families, it celebrates local industries – agriculture, railway, oil, military and the outdoors. The site has bathrooms, change rooms, picnic tables, shelters, benches and a playground. Insurance advisor Andrea Ferron celebrated the splash park.
“We take a sense of pride knowing that we contributed to a place that is enjoyed by so many,” she said.
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