It has been just over two weeks since a 25-kilometre ice jam on the Athabasca River in northern Alberta triggered a once-in-a-century flood that forced 13,000 Fort McMurray residents from their homes.
This tragedy could not have come at a worse time for locals in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. They’re battling the perfect storm of devastating flooding, the coronavirus pandemic, and a severe drop in oil pricing. The economic situation in the province is challenging to say the least, and many residents’ finances are wearing thin.
To help flood victims in Fort McMurray and the surrounding areas, Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services (WMB) - a construction and surety-focused insurance broker in Alberta and British Columbia - has launched a fundraiser on behalf of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank Association.
Samuel Feldman (pictured), president and managing director at WMB, commented: “We actually write very little business in Fort McMurray. So, why are we doing this? Because people need help. There’s a lot of people in some very tough times out there, and we have to look from within to try and help people out.
“We’re fortunate in that we have a good business, and we understand that people need to stand up for each other. We have to support local business and we have to support local Albertans. Historically, Alberta is a very strong province and Albertans have always banded together through good times and bad, through ups and downs – and if we’re not there for each other, then there’s no-one else that we can really rely upon.”
The brokerage is aiming to raise a total of $50,000 for the flood victims. Feldman’s office has also set up a portion matching program for the rest of WMB’s locations throughout Alberta and British Columbia. For every $1,000 raised, the head office will pitch in an additional $200 for the fundraiser.
This isn’t WMB’s first foray into charity work. The brokerage does a lot with different charities throughout Calgary, including volunteering at the local food banks and serving lunch at homeless shelters. It’s something that Feldman, a born and bred Albertan, was brought up to believe in.
He told Insurance Business: “I was brought up to believe that the fortunate have to help those in need. I’ve been in the insurance industry for nearly 30 years, but when I became president of WMB, I wanted to make sure that the people in our business understand we are fortunate, we have a good business, and that we’re all humans and people sometimes need help. If we can give something back, then we’re doing our part.
“Alberta is a commodity-based province, where fluctuations in the market can make drastic changes. It’s not consistent – there are ups and downs, ebbs and flows all over the place. I think, in general, we’re a very resilient community and we’ve always looked after each other. That’s more important than ever at a time like this. Now’s the time to reach deep and hard, and make sure Alberta gets through this tough time.”
