What’s New: In brief (October 06, 2006)

In an effort to raised money for a children’s literacy program in Tanzania, Royal & SunAlliance board member George Anderson climbed 20,000 ft in seven days to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain. Anderson is a member of the board of directors of CODE, an organization that promotes literacy in underdeveloped countries and was challenged, along with his fellow board members, to participate in the climb. Two board members accepted. “Similar to the corporate world, this was all about teamwork,” Anderson says.The climb raised $85,000, which will benefit children’s literacy programs in Tanzania, including building a library and training its staff.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)’s a new, revised website is now live and provides an online source for Canada’s home, car and business information. The consumer-oriented site features user-friendly tools and uses easy-to-understand plain language to help clarify the insurance industry to consumers. “We’re very excited to be able to provide consumers and the media with timely and accurate information on insurance through our new and improved site,” Mary Lou O’Reilly, vice-president of public affairs and marketing of IBC, says. The new site answers common consumer questions about home, car and business insurance, including in-depth information on how the industry is regulated and a step-by-step summary of what to do if you have a complaint against your insurer, according to the IBC. The site also provides consumers with tips for reducing their insurance costs and protecting their homes, cars and businesses against loss. Tools available on the site include an interactive home inventory for keeping a accurate record of belongings in the event of fire, break in or other loss. In addition the site boasts a glossary of insurance terminology and a section on insurance myths and facts. The IBC says the site has an expanded Media Centre for journalists. There is also an up-to-date list of media contacts, hot topics, current and past news releases and a new section containing audio/visual material.