Record setting charity walk

Times Contributor  

 

The final tally is in for the May 29th Western Financial Group Support The Cause Day walk. Over 1,500 Western Financial Group employees participated in the 9th annual walk, raising a record breaking $137,845 that will be donated to various different charities. This includes community infrastructure grants, which help to rebuild or refurbish local community facilities, like libraries. The money also goes to student bursaries that help students pay for secondary education as well as a Habitat for Humanity program and a Vision Care program. 

“This year’s success was tremendous because we’ve raised the most amount of money we’ve ever raised for the Support the Cause event,” said Eric Michalko, manager of sponsorships, digital marketing and public relations for Western Financial Group. “Our previous record was in 2012 when we raised $90,000, so you can see that that’s quite a big jump in terms of setting a new record.”

Since 2005 this 5km walk has raised over $563,000 for the aforementioned charities.

“These events are very important to (Western Financial Group), we are very passionate about giving back to the community, we have a deep presence and commitment to our local communities. We always try to give back and help support those communities where we live and where we work,” said Michalko. 

The money was raised through the combined efforts of Western Financial Group and employees. Pledges from employees were accepted, and on top of that Western Financial Group donated $50 for each employee that participated in the walk. 

“Our success speaks to the dedication of our employees and their commitment to the communities they live and work in,” said Michalko in a press release.