What’s New: In brief (February 24, 2006)

Canada’s home, car and business insurers, along with Operation Red Nose and the Ontario Safety League, presented a cheque for $4,213.50 to the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC).The money was raised by Operation Red Nose in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Newmarket, ON during the last Christmas season. Operation Red Nose is a designated-driver service that offers a way for holiday partiers to get themselves and their cars home safely. The service is free but charitable donations are welcomed.”Canada’s home, car and business insurers sponsored this excellent program in 15 communities across Ontario, Alberta and the Maritimes,” said Mary Lou O’Reilly, vice-President, public affairs and marketing, Insurance Bureau of Canada. “But it was in Halifax and Newmarket where we made the greatest impact because many industry employees also donated their time as volunteers.”O’Reilly added: “Much of the money raised by Operation Red Nose goes to local charities, and insurers are pleased to have helped make those donations possible. In addition, however, we wanted to give special recognition to WICC. On top of serving an excellent cause, WICC is an inspiring success story from within our own industry.”WICC co-chair Carolyn Horan said: “We thank everyone involved for this donation. One hundred percent of the funds donated will go directly to cancer research. “WICC is now in its 10th year and has raised more than Cdn$2.2 million across Canada. Our dream is that one day the property and casualty industry will be known for its contribution to cancer research. We are particularly excited by the synergy with Operation Red Nose and we’d like to thank IBC for choosing WICC as the charity for Operation Red Nose.”

The Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) BC Chapter is holding its 4th Annual Candlelight Ball on Apr. 8 at the Sutton Place Hotel in downtown Vancouver.The charity event will feature two special guests of honour: Chief Constable Jamie Graham of the Vancouver Police Department and Julie Nolin, co-host of City News at Six on Vancouver’s Citytv. In addition, the gala will feature a live band, as well as a live and silent auction.WICC is composed of women and men who have joined together to mobilize the Canadian insurance industry in the fight against cancer. The emphasis is on raising funds to promote research, support and education. Last year, the ball raised $70,000 for cancer research; all funds raised by the BC Chapter of WICC go to the BC Chapter of the Cancer Foundation. If you are interested in attending or want to donate to the cause please contact Kathy Cebula at 604-982-7205 or by email kathy.cebula@icbc.com for further ticket and event information. John Dickinson of ICBC, WICC Gala Chair, and his fellow volunteer organizers would also appreciate contributions to the live and silent auctions always a popular part of this event. Contact John at 604-982-4380 or by email john.dickinson@icbc.com.