2016 Rogers Insurance Run for L'Arche presented by Economical Insurance raises $38,000 for Calgary's L'Arche community of adults with developmental disabilities

CALGARY, March 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Saturday was a stellar day for the record 580 runners and almost 200 volunteers in the 2016 Rogers Insurance Run for L'Arche presented by Economical Insurance. In its sixth consecutive year, the 2016 run raised more than $38,000 for L'Arche Calgary. Rogers Insurance is one of the largest independent insurance brokerages in Canada. Economical Insurance is one of Canada's leading providers of home, auto and business insurance.   

All proceeds go to support L'Arche Calgary, a place where adults with developmental disabilities and those who share life with them live in a community designed to bring out the best of all members, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Since it started in 2011, the Rogers Insurance Run for L'Arche has raised more than $200,000 for L'Arche Calgary's homes and programs.

Economical Insurance has always been the proud presenting sponsor, and has committed to being the presenting sponsor for another three years.

Employees from Rogers Insurance and Economical Insurance offices in Calgary and Edmonton participated in the run and also volunteered to set up and manage the event.

"For six years now, the great people at Rogers Insurance and Economical Insurance have sponsored this event and we are truly thankful for their support," said David Tod, director of development at L'Arche Calgary. "In these tough economic times in Alberta, it's great see companies like and Rogers and Economical giving. They are making a big difference for the better in the Calgary community."

"The Run is crucial for L'Arche Calgary. The funds L'Arche receives provides for maintenance to our homes and vehicles. Both are absolutely essential to the quality of life for those who are a part of L'Arche. Beyond the donations, there is the life-giving impact of all the people who willingly give of themselves to run, volunteer and donate. The message is received loud and clear, "Those who are a part of the community of L'Arche Calgary, are not alone." The support we receive is truly life-changing. Thank you," said Garth Reesor, community leader and executive director of L'Arche Calgary.

"We could not pull this off without Economical's support," said Bruce Rabik, chief operating officer at Rogers Insurance. "This is a partnership that makes a direct and truly important impact in Calgary. L'Arche is a fantastic organization that really impacts the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens and provides an example to all of us of how diversity makes us stronger."

"This run pulls the Calgary community together in the spirit of supporting a special organization and we are proud to be a part of it," said Chris Weber, Economical's regional vice-president of sales and distribution for Albert and the Prairies. "L'Arche gives people with developmental disabilities the sense of dignity and happiness they deserve. The work L'Arche does improves the lives of many deserving people every day. They're an inspiration."

L'Arche is the living legacy of Jean Vanier, son of Their Excellencies Georges and Pauline Vanier. Georges Vanier was Canada's Governor General in the late fifties through the late sixties. In 1964, Jean Vanier welcomed two individuals with disabilities into his home in Trosly-Breuil, France, committing to their care and welfare, and the rest is history. Today, there are 149 L'Arche communities in 38 countries around the world.

About L'Arche Calgary
L'Arche Calgary is part of an international federation of L'Arche communities founded by Jean Vanier. L'Arche Calgary supports 28 people with developmental disabilities with assisted living at five residences in the city, a Supported Independent Living Program, the Tamarack Day Program and a retreat and training centre. L'Arche is a global leader in changing the way society includes and honours people with developmental disabilities.

About Rogers Insurance
Rogers Insurance is one of Canada's largest and most respected independent insurance brokerages. They offer the industry's highest level of expertise in all areas of general insurance with local, regional and national representation, as well as access to international insurance markets. Rogers offers a wide-ranging insurance capabilities guarantee that they will find their clients the best insurance protection for the best value. Their claims expertise is second-to-none. Rogers has been named one of Alberta's Top Employers seven times since 2006.

About Economical Insurance
Founded in 1871, Economical Insurance is one of Canada's leading property and casualty insurers, with approximately $2.0 billion in annualized premium volume and $5.3 billion in assets as at December 31, 2015. This Canadian-owned and operated company services the insurance needs of more than one million customers across the country. Economical Insurance conducts business under the following brands: Economical Insurance, Economical, Western General, Economical Select, Perth Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Economical Financial.

SOURCE Economical Insurance

Debbie McGarry, L'Arche Calgary, T: 403.930.2272, [email protected]; Rachel Huber, T: 403.476.4493, [email protected]; Mary McGuinness, Economical Insurance, (T) 519.570.8249, [email protected]