Kingston, ON – November 23, 2017 – The annual Empire Life United Way campaign surpassed its goal, raising more than $242,500 in donations from employees, retirees and event fundraising to benefit United Ways across Canada. The company matched all employee and retiree pledges, dollar for dollar.
“We chose the theme ‘Team Up for United Way’ because we know it takes a team of caring individuals to help change lives locally in our community,” says Brianna Drew, one of the co-chairs of the employee-led campaign. “We were successful in surpassing both our goal of $240,000 and the total amount we raised last year, ensuring much-needed programs can continue to help individuals in our community live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging.”
For the past three years, Empire Life has invited employees to a company-paid meal at Lunch by George, a United Way program located just minutes from the company’s head office in Kingston that provides hot meals. “For many employees, this is a rare chance to see how their donation dollars are used. We come to work every day, unaware that just around the corner, there is a United Way agency providing nourishment and a warm, welcoming place for people to come in from the cold and enjoy a hot meal.” says Brianna. Teams also held “We Care” events to raise funds for the campaign or items for specific United Way agencies and programs to help employees feel connected to the work United Way does.
Other Empire Life offices in Toronto, Burlington and Montréal also led campaigns to benefit the United Way in their community. Almost $186,000 of the total raised will stay in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington.
“We want to thank all our employees, retirees and the many local businesses that support our campaign with prize donations and silent auction contributions,” added Brianna. “Coupled with the company match, it was a true team effort and we couldn’t have achieved this incredible result without their support.”
About Empire Life
Empire Life is a subsidiary of E-L Financial Corporation Limited. Since 1923, Empire Life has provided individual and group life and health insurance, investment and retirement products to Canadians. The company’s mission is to make it simple, fast and easy for Canadians to get the investment, insurance and group benefits coverage they need to build wealth, generate income and achieve financial security. As of September 30, 2017 Empire Life had total assets under management of $16.8 billion. Follow Empire Life on Twitter @EmpireLife or visit www.empire.ca for more information.
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Contact:
Mary Beth Gauthier
Lead, Communication Services
Empire Life
613 548-1890, ext. 3418
marybeth.gauthier@empire.ca
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