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Media Releases 2010April 28, 2010Getting the party started – Safe Grads get funding boost Insurance Bureau of Canada matches funds raised through Operation Red NoseSydney, NS – April 28, 2010 – Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) presented a $4,400 cheque to the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board during a ceremony at Cape Breton University (CBU) this morning. The donation will help finance Safe Grad events for the region’s high schools this June. CBU’s Students’ Union served as the Operation Red Nose (ORN) host organization in Sydney this past December. ORN is a volunteer-based program that offers a free, confidential designated-driver service to holiday revellers on weekends in December. The campaign strives to encourage responsible behaviour with respect to impaired driving, while also raising funds for community-based causes. The Student Union generously designated 100% of the funds raised to the region’s Safe Grad programs. In support of this contribution, IBC pledged to match their funds raised. This meant that the $2,200 raised by dedicated ORN volunteers and generous patrons over the month of December was doubled to $4,400 by IBC. “We are thrilled to be able to support the Safe Grad celebrations again this year,” said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC. “Heightening awareness among young adults about the consequences that result from driving impaired – and the rewards which stem from not doing so – is a message we strongly promote as an organization and on behalf of our members. For these students, celebrating the successes of the last four years and graduating should be an exciting, fun time. But it should also be celebrated in a safe environment. That’s what Safe Grad gives these students, and that’s why IBC is a long-time and proud supporter.” Former CBU Student Union Goodwill Coordinator and campaign organizer Kristen MacNeil shared IBC’s enthusiasm for the ORN campaign and its message. “The wonderful thing about this program is that it’s a success if we prevent just one person from drinking and driving. The work is incredibly rewarding, whether your role is big or small. We donated the money raised through our campaign to local Safe Grad celebrations because the two programs share a common and important goal: to reduce harm due to alcohol misuse.” The idea of Safe Grad – an alcohol- and drug-free celebration for graduating high school students – has enjoyed great support over the past number of years among students, parents and teachers alike. Because the events come with significant financial costs, IBC’s contributions help ensure that all graduates who make the responsible decision to celebrate safely are able to attend. Safe Grad events in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia will receive a total of $30,000 this convocation season, thanks to IBC’s commitment in taking the reins of Operation Red Nose. IBC matches campaign donations in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Sydney, Truro and Moncton. Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 110,000 Canadians, pays more than $6 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $39 billion. To view news releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC’s website at www.ibc.ca. -30- For more information, please contact: |
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