Without the wonderful contributions of organizations and individuals in Canada’s insurance industry and beyond, WICC Ontario would never be able to execute its mission – nor raise $19 million since inception for the Canadian Cancer Society. That’s why WICC Ontario recognizes its supporters numerous ways, including its prestigious annual awards.
Each year, the selection process begins with a review by the WICC Ontario board of directors of the many contributors to the organization, including analysis of our five-year donation reports. Board members then nominate the individuals and entities they believe to have demonstrated exceptional advocacy, commitment and support to WICC Ontario. Finally, the list of nominees is put to a vote by the board.
The results of this year’s selection process were revealed at WICC Ontario’s 2023 Gala on April 5th in Toronto. During a special ceremony, co-chairs Marilyn Horrick and Garth Pepper presented the following awards to their richly deserving winners:
The “LEW DUNN Memorial Award” is presented to the volunteer or company demonstrating exceptional initiative in raising awareness and commitment in support of WICC. Lew Dunn is a former CEO of CGU Canada (now Aviva Canada) who lost his battle with cancer in 1999. WICC awarded two of these awards for 2022.
Lew Dunn Memorial Award winners were John Sharoun and Carol Jardine.
- John Sharoun has always been a champion of WICC from his days as the CEO of Crawford and Company, an organization that has made WICC their charity of choice and a focal point from the very beginning. John recognized from the very beginning the importance of women leading the charge at WICC and subsequently supported and encouraged involvement from the Crawford team.
- WICC also recognized the leadership and support we’ve received from Carol Jardine. Carol established the Jamie Knowles Tribute, has been a long-time supporter of the National Sponsorship Program, and always encouraged higher Wawanesa participation at WICC events and on the board.
The “GOLD FLAME Awards” are presented to individuals or organizations that have made donations exceeding $5,000 and/or made significant contributions through commitment and raising awareness. WICC awarded four of these awards for 2022.
- The Honourable Order of The Blue Goose – Ontario Pond – For their generous donation of $5,000 in 2022.
- Crawford and Company (Canada) – For their generous donation of $5,897 in 2022. Crawford has always been a WICC supporter uninhibitedly, and this has been reflected in the numerous Gold Flame awards they have received.
- Zurich Canada – For their generous donation of $4,600 in 2022 – on behalf of their Women Innovation Network (WIN) ERG, which recently voted to support WICC Ontario with a one-time donation.
- Trisura Guarantee Insurance company – For their generous donation of $5,000 in 2022.
WICC’s highest level of recognition, the “HALL OF FLAME Award” are presented to individuals or organizations that have made donations exceeding $20,000 and/or made significant contributions through commitment and raising awareness.
- Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) – In 2022, WICC did not receive a traditional in-year contributor of over $20,000, however, WICC used this as an opportunity to recognize IBC for their generosity in funding much of WICC’s communications strategy and invited their new CEO, Celyeste Power, to accept the award.
Congratulations again to all of our 2022 award winners! To see pictures from the evening, please click HERE.