Wawanesa awards funding to Sherbrooke environmental organization through new climate resiliency grant program

As part of its commitment to helping build resilience against the growing impacts of climate change, Wawanesa Insurance is pleased to announce Québec’s REVE Nourricier is one of 13 recipients from across Canada of its Wawanesa Climate Champions: Local Grants.

More than $275,000 was awarded through the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Local Grants, with each recipient receiving a portion of the funding. REVE Nourricier will use the grant to support its urban runoff diversion and filtration project, which will see 100m² of asphalt in downtown Sherbrooke replaced with green infrastructure. The initiative will help reduce the amount pollutants entering the city’s drainage system during rainfalls.

“At Wawanesa, we recognize the urgent need to create stronger climate resiliency in the communities our members and brokers call home,” said Anna McCrindell, Wawanesa’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – East. “We’re proud to have a number of key national partners in our Wawanesa Climate Champions program, and know, at the same time, that incredible climate action is also underway locally from coast to coast. By supporting this incredible initiative, we’re not only contributing to the protection of vital local ecosystems in Sherbrooke, but also helping to create a sustainable future.”

REVE Nourricier also plans to involve community members throughout the entire project, helping to raise awareness of the environmental challenges created by the adverse effects of climate change.

“On top of a participatory urban planning process, maintenance training sessions will also be offered to the local committee in charge of the project, ensuring follow-up citizen involvement in this new green space,” said Gabrielle Rondeau-Leclaire, Executive Director of REVE Nourricier. “This move to action strengthens individual capacities to adapt to the future climate, while everyone is invited to contribute their own skills to a collective, sustainable vision.”

Unveiled earlier this year on World Environmental Day, the local grants initiative builds on the success of the Wawanesa Climate Champions program, which provides $2 million annually to support people and organizations working on the front lines of climate resiliency.

About The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1896, is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, with over $3.5 billion in annual revenue and assets of $10 billion. Wawanesa Mutual, with its National Headquarters in Winnipeg, is the parent company of Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance products and services throughout Canada, and Western Financial Group, which distributes personal and business insurance across Canada. Wawanesa proudly serves more than 1.7 million members in Canada. The company actively gives back to organizations that strengthen communities, donating more than $3.5 million annually to charitable organizations, including over $2 million annually in support of people on the front lines of climate change. Learn more at wawanesa.com.

For more information:
Michel Rosset
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
media@wawanesa.com