TORONTO, ON, April 23 /insPRESS/ – Last week, the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) Ontario Chapter celebrated 007-style at its 27th annual Gala on April 16th. WICC welcomed more than 708 attendees to this year’s sold-out “Shaken Not Stirred” themed event.
Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel served as a stately backdrop for the black-tie celebration, where guests graced the red carpet with their finest evening wear, and enjoyed shaken martinis, Bond-worthy entertainment and casino table games.
“The P&C insurance industry has once again shown tremendous support toward WICC’s mission to fund cancer research, support and education,” said Laurel Di Maso, WICC Gala Co-Chair and Vice President for Solution Contracting. “Thank you to our volunteers and Gala Committee members for their hard work on this year’s event, and to our sponsors and attendees for making WICC their charity of choice.”
WICC was proud to make a cheque presentation in the amount of $100,000 to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) that evening in support of cancer research and care. Funds raised represented proceeds from last week’s Gala and other funds the industry has raised for WICC this past year.
WICC also celebrated the individuals and organizations making impactful contributions to WICC’s mission.
Marilyn Horrick, Co-Chair of WICC’s Board of Directors, announced the 2025 award winners, who were nominated for demonstrating exceptional advocacy, commitment, and support to WICC Ontario.
The LEW DUNN Memorial Award was presented to the volunteer or company demonstrating exceptional initiative in raising awareness in support of WICC. Lew Dunn is a former CEO of CGU Canada (now Aviva Canada) who lost his battle with cancer in 1999.
Our 2025 Lew Dunn Memorial Award winners were Shari Dodsworth and Carla Blackmore.
Next, the GOLD FLAME Award is presented to individuals or organizations that have made donations exceeding $5,000 and/or made significant contributions through commitment and raising awareness.
This year, the Gold Flame Award winners were Liberty Mutual and AON.
Finally, WICC’s highest recognition, the HALL OF FLAME Award, was presented to The Ottawa Valley Adjusters Association. This award honours individuals or organizations that have made donations exceeding $20,000 and/or made significant contributions through commitment and raising awareness.
WICC’s Gala Committee extends a heartfelt thank-you to our esteemed guests for their donations and exceptional attendance at this year’s event.
WICC would also like to extend a special thank-you to our event sponsors: ARS GEM, Ecclesiastical Insurance, Marsh Canada Limited, Purves Redmond, Moodie Mair Walker LLP, Echelon Insurance, AIG, Baird MacGregor & Hargraft, DKI, Blaney McMurtry, Solution Contracting, Canbilt Group Inc, Schultz Law Group LLP, Winmar, Aviva, Definity, Bell Temple, and On Side Restoration.
WICC Gala may be over, but let’s build on this momentum. WICC’s National Sponsorship Program provides an impactful opportunity for those who’d like to continue to show their support for cancer research, fundraising, and awareness.
Plus, WICC is proud to support the Canadian Cancer Society’s signature event, Relay For Life, on June 5, 2025 at STACKT Market. Together, we can show Canadians affected by cancer that they’re not alone.
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About WICC
Since its inception in 1996, WICC and the women and men of the property and casualty insurance industry in Canada have raised over $20 million nationally in support of cancer research and education. WICC’s mission is to unite and engage the Canadian insurance community to fund cancer research, educate, and support those affected by cancer and improve their lives. More information about WICC can be found at wicc.ca.
Media Contact
Jennifer Kew Co-Chair, Communications, WICC Ontario jkew@echeloninsurance.ca
Paul Aquino Co-Chair, Communications, WICC Ontario paquino@30fe.com
Click HERE to see Photo Booth images from the night!!
Official Gala photographs can be viewed and downloaded HERE.
Red carpet photos can be seen HERE.
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