“COVID-19 pushed pause on many things we love, but not our drive and commitment to the communities we serve, and the many great organizations that help them to thrive. In a year when it was difficult to help in traditional ways, we pivoted to virtual fundraising and ramped up our efforts, creating our most impactful year ever.”
Peter Carr
President
Preferred Insurance Group, a division of StoneRidge Insurance Brokers, offers tailored insurance plans for homeowners, farm owners and business owners in southwestern Ontario. Five years ago, the insurance group turned its annual Turkey Bowl event into a fundraiser for Childcan, a local grassroots organization that helps families cope financially and emotionally with a childhood cancer diagnosis.
When the pandemic hit, charitable giving took a downturn as people faced layoffs and unexpected expenses, and traditional in-person fundraising events like the Turkey Bowl had to be postponed. There was no similar downturn in need, however, so Preferred enlisted the help of more than 300 businesses and individuals to implement new fundraising opportunities, such as a virtual 50/50 and a donation matching program. These initiatives helped set a new record by raising $86,000 for Childcan.
These funds covered Childcan’s meal voucher program for an entire year. Funds also support counselling services, gas cards, parking passes and financial support for families during extensive cancer treatments. Since it started fundraising, the insurance group has raised more than $700,000 for Childcan.
As one of Wawanesa’s “Going the Extra Mile” recipients, Preferred Insurance Group is directing its $10,000 donation to Childcan.
Charity of choice
Childcan
Submitted by
Peter Carr, President
Location
London, Ontario
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