Giving Frequently – our donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society
Giving. Donating. Sharing. Caring. There are as many ways to describe the impetus to give as there are ways to give.
Since day one, giving has been one of the 18 ways in which we are, quite simply, different. This is because helping people will always be at the heart of what we do. And it’s the reason why giving generously, frequently and consistently is an essential part of the ALIGNED employee experience.
As a result, our social responsibility program was created at the same time ALIGNED Insurance was founded. It is, quite literally, a foundational part of our organization and a way in which we work hard to lead by example. In our communities, in our industry as well as across Canada.
Our people helping Canadian charities make a difference in peoples’ lives
We know that improving lives and advancing causes is what drives Canadian charities and non-profits. Connecting people to community, educational, environmental, food, healthcare and social programs is at the heart of what the not-for-profit sector does.
We also understand how deeply charities and non-profits resonate with people. In addition, we understand how important financial gifts are to helping a charity or non-profit keep delivering on their mission. This is why, each month, one of us selects a charity or non-profit organization that we are passionate about. And then we, as an organization, donate to that organization.
This month, President and CEO Andrew Clark selected the Indian Residential School Survivors Society for an ALIGNED Insurance Giving Frequently donation and shares: “As people across our country take time to mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are please to support the important work that the Indian Residential School Survivors Society is doing to support residential school survivors.”
In their own words: How the Indian Residential School Survivors Society helps people
As a result of our commitment to Giving Frequently, a donation is being made to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS).
In short, here is what this organization is doing to help support Survivors:
“We at Indian Residential School Survivor Society strive to provide physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual growth, development, and healing through culturally-based values and guiding principles for Survivors, Families, and Communities.”1
This charity has a 20-year history of providing services to Indian Residential School Survivors. They are guided by a mandate “to assist First Nation Peoples in British Columbia to recognize and be holistically empowered from the primary and generational effect of the Residential Schools by supporting research, education, awareness, partnerships, and advocating for justice and healing. The Society assists Survivors with counselling, court support, information, referrals, workshops, and more.”2
Guided by their mandate, services are at the heart of what the Indian Residential School Survivor Society provides.
“The Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS) has a wealth of experience delivering wellness and healing services to Indian Residential School Survivors and intergenerational Survivors throughout B.C. IRSSS provides essential services to Residential School Survivors, their families, and to those dealing with intergenerational traumas. These impacts affect every family and every community across B.C. and Canada.
Our services include:
- grief and loss counselling
- crisis counselling
- trauma counselling
- clinical therapy
- art therapy
- alternative healing therapy
- energy healing
- emotional support for people in the settlement process
- family and group counselling
- basic life skills coaching
- educational workshops on a broad range of health issues
- traditional healing methods and medicines
- traditional foods sourcing and preparation
- crisis support“3
Staff of the Indian Residential School Survivor Society also work to build education and awareness through cultural services and workshops. The organization notes that “as our workshops are free of charge, we do accept donations for these requests – Make cheques payable to Indian Residential School Survivors Society. These donations go towards Elders Program and travel to remote communities that are unable to afford these requests.”4
“IRSSS staff are available to present at community forums, schools, post-secondary, and other events.
- Colonialism, History & Impacts of IRS
- Anger Management
- Understanding Trauma
- Traditional Healing and Medicines”5
To learn more about the Indian Residential School Survivor Society and the work they do to support Survivors visit irsss.ca
In conclusion – our commitment to giving
Social responsibility. It’s about more than just giving, it’s about people. We know it is our privilege to connect our clients with better business insurance. And we know that it is our social responsibility to help others in a number of ways.
Giving Frequently is one of those ways. We invite you to learn more about the organizations that ALIGNED team members have selected and we have supported over the years here.
How we are also Giving Generously…
In addition to Giving Frequently, each year, a portion of ALIGNED’s profits are donated to a registered Canadian charity. It is important to us that our clients are part of our social responsibility program. That’s why once each year, we invite each of our clients to propose a charity that is meaningful to them. And it’s why we also engage our clients in selecting the charity that receives our Giving Generously donation.
Curious about our story? Here’s what our founder Andrew Clark has to say about our accidental beginnings…
Sources: 1-5 irsss.ca
