Foresters Financial marks 150th anniversary with $50,000 charity donation

Foresters Financial marks 150th anniversary with $50,000 charity donation | Insurance Business Canada

Non-Profits & Charities

“It is a tribute to our tradition of sustainability and giving,” says CEO

Non-Profits & Charities

By
Terry Gangcuangco

As part of its 150th anniversary celebration, Foresters Financial is donating $50,000 to You Can Ride 2 (YCR2) in Edmonton, Alberta.

The donation stems from Foresters’ member-nominated “BIG Give” contest, which honours the organization’s commitment to giving back by supporting charitable institutions or programs in Canada, the US, and the UK.

Foresters president and chief executive Matt Berman stated: “At Foresters, our purpose is to enrich the well-being of families and their communities, and You Can Ride 2 exemplifies this mission. This donation not only marks our 150th anniversary but is a tribute to our longstanding tradition of sustainability and giving.

“We’re honoured to support You Can Ride 2 and be a part of their incredible impact on children with different abilities.”

Established in 2003, YCR2 is a Goodwill Industries of Alberta program that provides adaptive bikes and cycling lessons for children with disabilities.

YCR2 program manager Emily Kim expressed gratitude for the donation, saying: “We are grateful for the support and generosity of Foresters Financial. As community leaders, they are leading by example and furthering our mission to spread the joy of cycling and create an inclusive community.”

Foresters members, who actively participated in the BIG Give contest, submitted video appeals advocating for their chosen charities, explaining the significance of the organizations and the potential impact of the donations.

One Foresters member from Edmonton shared a touching story that resonated with the voting team. After witnessing his son ride a bike through the YCR2 program, he was moved to share how this experience shifted his focus from his son’s limitations to his abilities.

In addition to the donation to YCR2, Foresters awarded US$50,000 to the Marjaree Mason Center in the US and £50,000 to the Tuberous Sclerosis Association in the UK.

Foresters Financial is the trade name for non-denominational fraternal benefit society The Independent Order of Foresters.

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