09/04/2008

100% of donations will directly support cancer research

At the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) annual dinner this spring Carolyn Horan, co-chair of the WICC Ontario Chapter announced the roll out of a tribute initiative that would have significant influence on how the insurance industry rallies together in the fight against cancer. The "WICC Tribute", a new and innovative fundraising initiative developed by WICC Ontario, gives industry members a tangible and meaningful way to commemorate colleagues who lost in their fight with cancer and honour those who continue to live and beat cancer every day.

Horan's announcement inspired Paul Martin of KRG Insurance Group to create the first WICC Tribute - a personal donation of $1,000.00 - honouring fellow colleague, Linda Hajekerou, who had just been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. "What I liked about the WICC Tribute," says Martin, "is that it is not a memorial. I saw it as a chance for me to express my admiration of Linda's approach to living her life even after having been diagnosed with cancer, and my appreciation for the group of people who are supporting her throughout her illness. Linda's will to live is inspiring and she's shown us how important it is to laugh in the face of adversity, and get the most out of every day even if you have one day, one year, or ten years ahead of you. Linda has shown incredible character and the contribution I made is my tribute to her and everyone around her who continue to make a difference in how she lives her life."

In the days and weeks that followed, the news of the WICC Tribute program spread within KRG and before long, the staff resolved to follow Paul's lead and find a way to grow Linda's WICC Tribute. A decision was made that the KRG running team - led by Paul Martin and Christina Martin - would direct their sponsorships for the upcoming ING Ottawa Marathon to Linda's WICC Tribute. Word of the team's determination travelled, and to spur the team on, Debbie Coull-Cicchini, ING Insurance Senior Vice President for Ontario, invited none other than Hajekerou to hold the ribbon as her supporters crossed the finish line. The KRG marathon team raised $16,500 and in the process, raised awareness of the WICC Tribute to even greater heights.

The WICC Tribute has already proven to be a remarkable way to ignite spirit and rally a community in a united purpose. Whether through a major fundraising initiative or a personal donation, the WICC Tribute aims to honour and commemorate the true champions, friends, and colleagues who fought and fight to beat cancer in their lifetime.


About WICC

For 12 years WICC has continued to raise the bar when it comes to fundraising for cancer research. Since its inception in 1996, WICC Ontario has raised $2,700,000 and 100% of these funds have been directed to the Canadian Cancer Society to support Canada's leading research projects for breast, prostate and other forms of cancer. WICC unites a vast insurance industry in a common goal to raise awareness and funds through initiatives taking place in five provinces across the country. Fundraising can be either company based or industry wide but the objective remains to challenge and mobilize the insurance industry to take action in the fight against cancer.


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