iA Financial Group to Award $500,000 to Charities Addressing Food Insecurity

QUEBEC CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, iA Financial Group is proud to launch the ninth edition of its Canada-wide philanthropic contest. This year, the company has chosen to focus on food insecurity in response to the growing needs of communities and the many proposals received on this topic during the previous edition. With more than 60,000 organizations in Canada dedicated to food assistance, the need is more urgent than ever.

Food insecurity is a complex, systemic challenge that reflects deeper social and economic inequities in our communities. iA Financial Group is encouraging charities to submit proposals to tackle the complex challenges of food insecurity or reduce its impact. Beyond just food banks, the contest is also aiming to support the growing number of organizations tackling food insecurity at its roots—through solutions like vertical farming, community-supported agriculture, urban gardens, nutrition education, cooking programs, community kitchens, and more—as well as those addressing related health challenges through research, prevention, and awareness projects or programs.

From September 10 to October 12, Canadian charities are invited to submit proposals for how they would use a $100,000 donation to address food insecurity. The charities that submit the most inspiring proposals will share a total of $500,000 to carry out their projects or pursue their missions.

“We are always attuned to the needs of the communities where we are present, and food insecurity currently is especially relevant,” says Denis Ricard, President and CEO of iA Financial Group. “Each year, we are inspired by the remarkable work organizations do to improve the lives of people in their communities, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting these efforts and helping to build a more resilient society.”

According to Policy Options, food insecurity in Canada has reached unprecedented levels, affecting nearly one in four Canadians—about 10 million people—taking a toll not only on physical health but also mental wellbeing, educational outcomes, and the resilience of entire communities. Philanthropy is deeply rooted in the culture of iA Financial Group, with the objective of providing support to causes that focus on improving quality of life for Canadians, aligning its efforts under four pillars: health, education, social and community support, and the environment. Each year, the company aims to donate one per cent of its net profits, with the annual contest being a central element of this commitment.

At the end of the contest, 12 charities will be selected by a committee and announced to the general public on November 3. The general public will then be invited to vote for the organizations of their choice until November 26. Participating charities are divided into four geographic regions (Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic/Northern Canada) to ensure an equitable distribution of donations and impact across the country. The four organizations that receive the most votes in their respective region will each be awarded $100,000, while the eight other finalists will each receive $10,000, with iA Financial Group’s employees’ favourite organizations also receiving an additional $5,000. Winners will be announced between December 8 and 12.

Details of the contest and a full list of eligibility criteria are available at donations-contest.ia.ca/community.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• September 10 to October 12: charities register and submit proposals
• October 13 to November 1: committee selects 12 projects for public vote
• November 3: twelve finalists announced, and public voting period opens
• November 3 to 26: public voting period
• December 8 to 12: winners announced

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To be a company that contributes to sustainable growth and the wellbeing of its clients, employees, partners, investors and communities, iA Financial Group makes sustainability a priority. To guide our day-to-day achievements, we integrate environmental, social and governance factors.

About iA financial group
iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada, with operations in the United States. Founded in 1892, it is an important Canadian public company and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IAG (common shares).

iA Financial Group is a business name and trademark of iA Financial Corporation Inc.