Two Quebec-based insurers have announced donations this week, one supporting military families after the deadly fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, and the other supporting children in Quebec’s Laurentians region.
iA Financial Group is donating $75,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Wainwright Tragedy Appeal, which supports Canadian Armed Forces members, their families and others affected by the October 17 fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. The fire killed four soldiers and injured 39 others.
“We hope this contribution will help to support families and the broader community as they begin the path toward recovery,” said Denis Ricard, president and chief executive of iA Financial Group.
The appeal will fund immediate needs, support for individuals and families, and the community’s recovery. Other organizations have also stepped in. The Calgary Flames Foundation has pledged $100,000 to a separate CFB Wainwright Support Fund, which covers travel, accommodation and other costs for families of injured personnel.
iA has given to Red Cross appeals before, including $50,000 to the 2025 Manitoba wildfires appeal.
Nearly 200 directors, officers and partners of Groupe Promutuel raised $86,000 for the Fondation Tremblant at the mutual insurer’s annual fundraising event. This year’s event focused on the region served by Promutuel Insurance Alta.
The foundation works with more than 50 organizations supporting children and families in the Laurentides regional county municipality, funding food security, education, sport and recreation, and specialized support services. It is also one of the beneficiaries of 24h Tremblant, the annual winter charity relay.
“Our mutualist model reminds us that businesses also have a role to play in fostering the development and vitality of their communities,” said Yvan Rose, president of Groupe Promutuel, which has served Quebec communities for nearly 175 years.
Promutuel Insurance chief executive Geneviève Fortier said supporting young people is central to the company’s commitment to the communities it serves.
The donations add to a run of community investment by Canadian insurers this fall. That includes Intact’s Olympian Impact grants and Climate Resilience Grants, The Commonwell’s $500,000 in rural hospital gifts, and BCAA’s $750,000 wildfire mental health partnership.
