The Western Communities Foundation, the charitable division of Western Financial Group, together with Wawanesa Insurance, has made a joint $100,000 donation to the Health Sciences Center (HSC) Foundation's Operation Excellence Campaign.

The contribution will support surgical innovation and patient outcomes at Manitoba's largest hospital. The donation reflects the two organizations' commitment to community support and improved healthcare access across Canada.

 "As a company that calls Manitoba home, we all know someone who has relied on HSC's care, whether it be a family member, friend, or neighbour," said Evan Johnston, president & CEO of Wawanesa. "We're proud to continue our 129-year legacy of supporting Manitobans and our communities by partnering with our brokerage Western Financial Group to help ensure everyone in our province continues to benefit from leading healthcare."

Grant Ostir, CEO of Western Financial Group, said the Western Communities Foundation aims to support Canadians during significant moments. He explained that the Foundation's contribution to HSC's investment in advanced surgical equipment will help improve patient care, survival rates and overall wellbeing. Ostir also said that the Foundation values its collaboration with Wawanesa in backing the HSC Foundation and the frontline teams that deliver care.

In 2025, the Western Communities Foundation continued its work to strengthen communities across Canada through charitable giving and local programs. Its initiatives include support for wildfire relief, youth bursaries, and infrastructure funding in communities nationwide. 

Wawanesa invests $3.5 million each year through its community impact program to assist local and national charitable organizations. In addition to Wawanesa Climate Champions, which funds projects that enhance climate resiliency, the company runs several initiatives aimed at supporting the communities where its members, employees, and broker partners live and work.

Through their joint donation to HSC, Wawanesa and the Western Communities Foundation aim to help ensure Manitobans have access to essential healthcare services.