Western Communities Foundation Building Canadian Communities

HIGH RIVER, AB, Jan. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - The Western Communities Foundation (WCF) is thrilled to announce 2018 was a banner year with over $300,000 in grants and bursaries being awarded.

The WCF presented 20 infrastructure grants ($5,000 each) across Western Financial Group's broker network. Leaders thanked employees and supporters after surpassing $3.1 million raised since 2002.

Western Financial Group's charitable arm, the Western Communities Foundation, hosts the annual Support the Cause walk as one of the year's major, and most successful, fundraisers. (CNW Group/Western Financial Group)

Funds from the annual Support the Cause walk, Fall Classic Golf Tournament and other events are given back via student bursaries, grant funding and infrastructure improvements.

Western Financial Group's charitable arm, the WCF, funds projects supporting public health, public housing, education and recreation where Western operates and, in many cases, employees live, work and play.

"Every donation, large or small, builds our communities" Laurette LaPlante, director for the registered charity, said. "We're so pleased to be able to give back. Thank you to our partners and sponsors."

2018 Infrastructure Grant Recipients:

Alberta:

• Bow Island – Building a solarium onto the municipal library
• Hanna – Upgrading town's outdoor ice rinks
• Medicine Hat Downtown – HALO, purchasing a platform dolly to move the helicopter
• Morrin – Contribution toward new turnout gear for the village fire department
• Peace River – Peace River SPCA, expanding facility

British Columbia:

• Aulds Road – Island Crisis Care Society, expanding Samaritan House
• Broadmoor – Richmond Fire Hall #1, Contribution toward constructing a new fire hall
• Cranbrook (Cranbrook Street) – Contribution toward building an indoor sports facility
• Creston – Creston Valley Trails Society – Creating a riverside park along Goat River
• Fort St. John – Purchasing specialized equipment for hospital foundation
• Golden – Hospital/EK Foundation for Health, upgrading facility
• Victoria - Help Fill a Dream, Improving and upgrading current office equipment
• Richmond Centre – Constructing a new playground at Grauer Elementary School
• Sidney – Sidney Elementary School, Building a multigenerational outdoor activity centre
• Tillicum – Upgrading Discovery School Playground
• West Broadway – Moving Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children to Oak Street campus
• Williams Lake – Gavin Lake Community Education Society, Building canoe storage building

Manitoba:

• Gilbert Plains – New equipment at the recreation complex
• Souris – Refurbishing Crescent Avenue, road project

Saskatchewan:

• Estevan – Estevan Humane Society, constructing a new facility

Western Communities Foundation

Founded in 2002, the Western Communities Foundation gives back to the communities where Western employees live and work and fosters employee pride and engagement. The Foundation's core donation programs include community Infrastructure Grants, the Western Inspirational Award for graduating high school students and community projects through our grant opportunities. Since its inception, the Western Communities Foundation has raised more than $3.1 million to support local communities.

Western Financial Group Inc.

Western, a diversified insurance services company, is focused on creating security and has provided over one million Canadians the right protection for more than 100 years. Headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western provides personal and business insurance services through 179 locations, its affiliates and a variety of connected channels, with an engaged team of approximately 1,800 people. Western is a subsidiary of Trimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company.

SOURCE Western Financial Group

For further information: (for journalists only): Kevin Rushworth, Communication Leader, Western Financial Group, 1-866-843-9378 ext - 508, [e-mail]

Related Links

https://westernfinancialgroup.ca/