Charity Partnership Program: Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)

Background

Our mission statement is to be a unique insurance company that truly cares. We are committed to embodying this statement through every channel of our business, and as such, committed to best serving the communities in which we operate. One way we do this is through our Charity Partnership Program, which first launched in 2019.

In a world marked by increasing environmental challenges and the escalating impacts of climate change, insurance companies find themselves at the forefront of addressing a critical dilemma between corporate responsibility and risk management. The changing landscape has brought about a rise in the frequency and severity of various ecological disruptions. This is mirrored in the insurance industry as we have seen a rise in frequency and severity of claims, driven by events such as wildfires and floods. By actively supporting and promoting biodiversity conservation initiatives, insurers can aim to curb the consequences of these events and mitigate the risks associated with them. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is not just an ethical choice; it’s a recognition of the integral role our business plays in shaping a sustainable future.

As the only charity in Canada that works across the country and is solely focused on protecting public land and freshwater, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage for current and future generations. For the next 3-5 years, we look forward to partnering with them to help amplify their integral work.

Who is CPAWS?

Founded in 1963, CPAWS is a leader in conservation in Canada, and has been pivotal in protecting nature across our country. In over 60 years, CPAWS has grown 13 regional chapters strong, upon which their grassroots, community-driven foundation is based.

Their mission revolves around preserving and expanding the nation’s parks and wilderness areas, defending biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources. Through community engagement, along with continuing work with Indigenous peoples, federal, provincial and territorial governments, CPAWS hopes to effect change and inspire the next generation of conservationists.

Work that includes:

• Advocacy for stronger conservation policies
• Park establishments and expansion
• Research, policy development, and scientific contributions
• National and regional public awareness campaigns
• Local conservation projects (habitat restoration, reforestation)
• Indigenous partnerships and traditional knowledge integration
• Youth engagement programs for environmental education

Click here to see some notable success stories and about how CPAWS has made a significant impact to conservation work across Canada.

How is Peace Hills Involved?

Our first Charity Partner, Pathways to Education Canada, received nearly $100,000 in donations throughout our 5-year partnership from staff, brokers, business partners, and of course, the company itself.

As their new corporate partner, Peace Hills Insurance aims to amplify the impact of CPAWS’s crucial and increasingly important work. Some of the ways we will do that include:

• Running events for our employees that will both fundraise for CPAWS and enrich our existing unique corporate culture
• Selling co-branded promotional products, with all profits benefitting CPAWS
• Continue offering the option for staff to donate to CPAWS via automated payroll deductions
• Corporate matching of all money raise each year up to $10,000
• Encouraging staff participation in events being run by the CPAWS chapters in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Winnipeg
• Sharing noteworthy fundraising milestones and promoting CPAWS chapter activities to our audiences on social media.

If you’d like to get involved either with our Partnership or with Pathways directly, please contact the Peace Hills Marketing Department at marketing@phgic.com