Economical Insurance donates $10,000 to local YWCA to support teens exposed to domestic violence

Making donation in association with broker partner McKillop Insurance

LETHBRIDGE, AB, Aug. 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Local teens that experience traumatic events in their lives will soon be able to turn to the YWCA Lethbridge & District for help on how to cope with life's pressures and rebuild their self-esteem.

Economical Insurance, one of Canada's largest providers of home, auto and business insurance, today provided $10,000 in association with McKillop Insurance brokers to the local YWCA for the expansion of the successful Project Child Recovery program to make it appropriate for teenage adolescents in the area.

"A recent study by the University of Calgary revealed that the effects of witnessing or experiencing family violence can impact a child's short- and long-term development and social adjustment," said Lena Neufeld, acting chief executive officer of YWCA Lethbridge & District.

"Thanks to Economical's generous funding, we are able to fully develop a six-week program where teens will be encouraged to talk about their feelings, develop healthy coping strategies, explore support systems, and enhance their self-esteem," said Neufeld. "We will conduct facilitator training in September then launch the program with our first group of teens during our Week Without Violence event in the third week of October."

"We are proud to make this donation to the YWCA so local teens that have been exposed to domestic violence can have a better chance to develop, adjust and become the best they can be in life," said Chris Weber, Economical's vice-president of sales and distribution for Alberta and the Prairies.

"We are delighted to be associated with Economical's generous investment in our YWCA," said Sonya McKillop, president of McKillop Insurance & Registry Services Inc. "Economical has a long history of giving back to communities across the country. This donation will certainly make a positive difference in the future of many right here in Lethbridge."

About Economical
Founded in 1871, Economical Insurance is one of Canada's leading property and casualty insurers, with $2.0 billion in annual premium volume and $5.3 billion in assets as at June 30, 2015. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, 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, Federation Insurance and Economical Financial.

About YWCA Lethbridge & District
YWCA Lethbridge & District is a not-for-profit organization committed to women and the enhancement of their lives by providing programs and services which empower them, support equality and promote wellness of mind, body and spirit. It brings attention to the issues of women and children in Southern Alberta, creates a voice for those who have none, and ensures the provision of ethical and socially-aware programming for women, youth and children.

SOURCE Economical Insurance

For media inquiries, contact: Doug Maybee, Economical Insurance, (T) 519.570.8249, (C) 519.404.0989, [email protected]; Lena Neufeld, YWCA Lethbridge & District, (T) 403.329.0088, [email protected]