RSA CANADA PROMOTES EMPLOYEE WELLNESS WITH WALK/RUN INITIATIVE

5K course on Toronto Islands will contribute $15,000 in support of WWF

TORONTO, Sept. 24 /CNW/ - In an effort to promote the importance of health and wellness among its employees, RSA Canada is hosting the RSA Walk/Run initiative on Toronto Islands today. As part of RSA's ongoing commitment to the environment, the event is also raising $15,000 for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

"Employee health and wellness often extends beyond the office," says Rowan Saunders, President and CEO of RSA Canada.  "We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance by energizing our employees and sharing the message of healthy living. Being able to support WWF through this initiative reinforces our dedication to the health of the environment as well."

The five kilometre course, which begins at noon, encompasses the Toronto Islands, including Centre Island, Wards Island and Hanlan's Point.  Almost 400 employees will be participating in the Walk/Run Initiative, and have been encouraged to bring their families.  At the completion of the run, employees will be treated to live entertainment by Canadian music artist Karla Crawford, as well as a barbeque and kid-friendly activities. 

Since RSA and WWF's three year global strategic partnership began, RSA Canada has committed $300,000 to the organization in an effort to support programs that aid in environmental initiatives. Today's event underscores the company's commitment to both the environment as well as employee wellness.

"We're thrilled to be able to provide our employees and brokers with a day where they can spend time with their families and coworkers and also support a worthy cause," says Saunders. "Today's event is another step towards fostering health and wellness for not only our RSA family, but our environment as well."

About RSA

RSA Canada includes Roins Financial Services Limited, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada, Quebec Assurance Company, Johnson Inc., Western Assurance Company, Ascentus Insurance Ltd., Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company and is part of RSA Insurance Group plc. RSA Canada employs approximately 3,200 people and is represented by a large network of brokers across the country. In 2009, the Canadian Group wrote $1.9bn in direct premiums with assets exceeding $5.5 billion. Internationally, RSA Insurance Group plc employs about 21,000 people and has the capability to write business in 130 countries and in 2009 its net written premiums were £6.7bn. RSA is a trade name of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada.

For further information:

Samantha Kemp-Jackson / Cathy Mitchell
APEX Public Relations
[phone] ext. 248 / 236
[email protected]; [email protected]