McGannon Fun Run/Walk Raises Cdn$2,400

Roughly 70 insurance and risk professionals dotted Toronto’s waterfront on the morning of Sept. 21 to participate in the annual William H. McGannon Foundation 5k Fun Run/Walk. The event, sponsored by FM Global, received a helping hand from the Canadian Independent Adjusters’ Association, which provided water and spectators to cheer on their colleagues.

The title of fastest male runner went to Jody Draude. Carole Sunohara earned the title of fastest female runner.

Overall, $2,400 was raised. The foundation has been gaining steam, even without its running shoes laced up: in terms of net assets, the foundation saw an increase of 12% over last year, to Cdn$507,654. Six scholarships totalling Cdn$17,500 were given out in 2007, an unprecedented amount, says Joseph Restoule, chair of the foundation’s board of directors.

Danielle Lewis, an MBA student at Dalhousie, recieved the John Faulds Memorial Award, a “prestigious award that is not given annually, but only to those pursuing risk management at the post-grad level,” Restoule adds.

Lewis is also one of the first participants in the foundation’s student mentorship program. Each year, moving forward, the foundation will select one or two applicants to participate in the RIMS Canada Conference under the mentorship of Mc-Gannon board members.

“And for the first time, Junior Achievement, ourselves and FM Global are launching a risk management day in Vancouver this fall,” Restoule said. High school students will get to spend a day playing the FM Risk Management Game and it’s a “great way to engage the students in considering a career in risk management.”

The foundation is also welcoming two new members to its board. Wayne Hickey, a former chair of the RIMS Canada Council, “brings that piece of the puzzle about continuing education for risk professionals,” says Restoule.

Niver Rubenyan, a former president of ORIMS now based in Toronto, has also joined the board. “She is one of the people on the front edge of the wedge of ERM,” he adds.

Board members Diane Wolfson and George Simpson have elected to retire professionally, although they have opted to continue their involvement with the board, Restoule says. “It’s a really great mix of experience and knowledge on the board,” he said.