Western Financial Group Celebrates 20th Anniversary of National Charity Walk
Western Financial Group’s Communities Foundation is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its national charity walk, set to take place from May 19 to 24. The event, now rebranded as the National Walk for Safe Places, has raised over $1 million for local projects since its inception. These projects include playgrounds, scholarships, and community space improvements, all aimed at creating safer and more resilient communities.
The rebranding comes as communities face growing risks related to insurance and climate change. “The role of insurance is crucial in helping communities adapt to increasing risks, whether it’s from climate disasters or other challenges like rising housing costs and mental health pressures,” said Grant Ostir, CEO of Western Financial Group and foundation board president. The event will see thousands of Western team members, partners, and community members walking together in over 150 communities across Canada, advocating for safe places to live, work, and play.
The initiative highlights the critical role insurance plays in mitigating risks posed by extreme weather events and other local challenges. In the context of rising climate-related risks, insurance companies are increasingly called upon to provide coverage that protects homes, infrastructure, and communities from the financial impacts of natural disasters. Western’s renewed focus on building safe places emphasizes not just community engagement but also the importance of fostering environments where insurance can play a protective and stabilizing role.
“Our new focus on safe places underlines the need for communities to be not only connected and engaged but also financially protected,” said Nancy Green-Bolton, Western Communities Foundation board chair and Western Financial Group COO. “By supporting resilient neighbourhoods, we are helping ensure that insurance coverage can be better applied, allowing families and businesses to recover faster from unforeseen events.”
To further engage the community, Western launched the #StepUpAndShare Photowalk Challenge from May 1 to 24. Participants can enter a draw to win a $1,000 donation for their chosen charity by posting about their involvement. “Through initiatives like this, we not only create stronger communities but also demonstrate the ongoing need for insurance solutions that support long-term resilience,” said Michelle Mak, director of Western Communities Foundation.
The National Walk for Safe Places represents Western Financial Group’s commitment to building more resilient communities across Canada, highlighting the importance of insurance in protecting against and recovering from various challenges.
