Economical helps Canadians prepare for disasters with $450,000 commitment to the Canadian Red Cross Français
Providing training to help thousands of Canadians manage first 72 hours of disaster
WATERLOO, ON, Jan. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - With natural disasters happening at an increased frequency and severity, now more than ever, Canadians need to be able to successfully cope when disaster hits. The Insurance Bureau of Canada recently reported that the record insured damage valued at $4.9 billion in 2016 is part of an upward trend that shows no signs of stopping, and is having a staggering effect on our communities across the country. This serves as a powerful reminder of how important it is to be prepared before catastrophe strikes.
To help Canadians develop their preparedness plan, Economical Insurance has renewed its partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, and will provide $450,000 over the next three years for the national disaster management program. This partnership will help deliver at least 175 emergency preparedness sessions in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Mississauga, Toronto, Ottawa, Moncton, and Halifax.
"The first 72 hours are the most crucial after a disaster," said Conrad Sauvé, president and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "Thanks to Economical, thousands of Canadians will have the knowledge and tools to be safer and better prepared for emergencies."
"Our partnership with the Canadian Red Cross shows our commitment to helping those who need it most in times of distress," said Rowan Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer of Economical Insurance. "We are honoured to continue to partner with the Canadian Red Cross in all the important work they do to better prepare Canadians to cope with disasters."
Economical began its partnership with the Canadian Red Cross in 2013 after the Southern Alberta floods. Over the past three years, this partnership has delivered emergency preparedness training to approximately 15,600 Canadians, instructing people on how to plan and prepare for the first 72 hours following a major disaster.
For more information on how to prepare for an emergency and how to take care of yourself and your loved ones, visit www.redcross.ca/ready.
About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 190 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and throughout the world.
About Economical Insurance
Founded in 1871, Economical is one of Canada's leading property and casualty insurers with more than $2.1 billion in annualized premium volume and $5.5 billion in assets as September 30, 2016. Based in Waterloo, this Canadian-owned and operated company services the insurance needs of more than one million customers across the country. Economical conducts business under the following brands: Economical Insurance, Economical, Western General, Economical Select, Perth Insurance, Sonnet, Economical Financial, and Family Insurance Solutions.
SOURCE Economical Insurance
Doug Maybee, Manager, Public and Media Relations, Economical Insurance, (T) 519-570-8249, (C) 519-404-0989
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