Economical Insurance® support of Junior Achievement helps young Canadians prepare for a successful future

TORONTO, Dec. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Junior Achievement of Canada and Economical Insurance^® are pleased to announce their renewed partnership focused on encouraging Grade 7, 8 and 9 students to stay in school and acquire the knowledge and skills needed for their future success. Economical Insurance is providing $300,000 over the next three years to support Junior Achievement's Economics for Success program.

Junior Achievement's Economics for Success program is an interactive program that allows students to examine their future and explore different opportunities for their own success. Inspiring volunteers from Economical will visit the classroom and share their experience in order to help equip students with the skills needed to define their own positive future plan.

"Junior Achievement and Economical share a common vision to support students and inspire them to stay in school and become future leaders," said Keith Publicover, president and CEO, Junior Achievement of Canada. "Thanks to the support of Economical, over 200 volunteers will help 3,200 students gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the workplace and in life."

"At Economical, we know that investing in our children and grandchildren now will help them grow into the leaders of tomorrow," said Karen Gavan, president and CEO, Economical Insurance. "Through Junior Achievement's Economics for Success program, our volunteers are helping to inspire youth to stay in school to become better prepared for the workforce so they can realize their aspirations."

Economical's support will provide Junior Achievement programs to students in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, London, Waterloo, Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.

Junior Achievement's Economics for Success gives students greater understanding of the link between education and personal goals and provides them with the knowledge, attitudes and skills they will need for long-term career success. The program engages students in exciting activities to reflect the reality of the working world, including trends and opportunities, the impact of choices about credit and cash, and the cost of living. The program examines the financial demands of independence and students can work to identify the resources needed to support their life-long career journey.

About Junior Achievement of Canada
Junior Achievement is the largest youth business organization in Canada and plays an important role in developing Canada's future leaders by providing them with the confidence and knowledge needed to define personal success, enhance their work readiness and pursue their dreams. Last year alone, more than 243,000 young Canadians experienced a Junior Achievement program from over 14,500 dedicated business volunteers. For over 58 years, Junior Achievement has inspired and prepared more than 4 million youth to succeed. For more information, visit www.jacan.org.

About Economical Insurance
Founded in 1871, Economical Insurance is one of Canada's leading property and casualty insurers, with $1.9 billion in annual premium volume and $5.0 billion in assets as at September 30, 2013. Based in Waterloo, this Canadian-owned and operated company services the insurance needs of more than one million customers across the country. In 2010, Economical announced its decision to become the first federally-regulated mutual property and casualty insurance company to demutualize. 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.

SOURCE: Economical Insurance

Kristina Fixter, national director, communications and marketing
Junior Achievement of Canada
P: 416-622-4602, ext. 229
[email protected]

Doug Maybee
Manager, Public and Media Relations
Economical Insurance
P: 519-570-8500, ext. 48248
[email protected]