Members of High River’s Western Financial Group were recognized for their contributions to improving the quality of life in the community.
The team received the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA) Award of Distinction for Outstanding Community Service in May.
To be eligible for the award, the branch needed to participate in or spearhead community initiatives throughout the year, contribute to local, national, or international causes, make a positive impact on other organizations and community members, and ensure continuity in outreach.
“As employees of Western Financial Group, we're supported and encouraged to support local charities and participate in local community organizations,” said Linda Holmes, High River Branch Manager. "That support has really helped grow the culture.”
The High River branch supports the Foothills Salvation Army and, for the last nine years, has helped with the Food Bank and Christmas hamper programs through monetary donations, collecting toys, and providing volunteer hours.
“This last season, we donated over 300 volunteer hours. We have about 17 staff in our office, so we're the largest contributor of volunteer support for their Christmas hamper program,” Holmes said.
To encourage volunteerism, Western Financial Group gives each staff member a “Good Heart Day” where they go to work for a charity of their choice for the day.
“Most of my staff use their 'Good Heart Day' to help with the Christmas hamper program, while others will use them to volunteer at their children's school or other charities that are important to them,” Holmes said.
Oftentimes, the “Good Heart Day” inspires staff to continue volunteering throughout the year.
“It's good to give back to the community,” Holmes said. “It gives everybody a real sense of accomplishment, and they feel more connected to the place they live and work.”
Holmes is incredibly grateful and proud of her team and their contributions to the community.
“It was such a wonderful feeling for them to be recognized,” she said. “Having contributed so much for so long, for it to be recognized from our association was really, really phenomenal.”