Because we are part of a large cooperative group, social commitment is integral to our operations. We therefore devote a lot of energy, time and money to humanitarian causes. In 2004, for example, we spent more than $1 million to support various organizations and activities across Canada, especially in the area of health, as will be evident from the paragraphs that follow.
The Mother-Daughter Walk and the Becel Ride for Heart
In 2004, several hundred of our employees took part in the Mother-Daughter Walk in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, which was held on September 26, 2004, in more than 70 cities and towns across Canada. Through their outstanding participation in this event, we raised more than $20,000, twice the goal we had set ourselves for this first year. Desjardins Financial Security is a national sponsor for this event. We encourage you to take part in the 2005 Mother-Daughter Walk, which will be taking place on September 25th.
Desjardins Financial Security was also the main sponsor of the Corporate Challenge component of the Becel Ride for Heart, a cycling and inline skating event organized to raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Altogether, some 12,000 cyclists and inline skaters, a number of whom were our employees (some participating as volunteers), took part in this event, which was held on Sunday, June 5, 2005, in Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton.
Healthy Habits
Another aspect of Desjardins Financial Security's partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation was our sponsorship of the "Healthy Habits, Healthy Weight" booklet, which deals with reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and contains a variety of information, advice and recipes. More than 250,000 Canadians have already read this booklet, which is now in its third printing. We have put in place a nation-wide program to distribute this publication to certain policyholders, our employees, various partners, and other Desjardins Group components and affiliates.
Mental Health Week
The Company also sponsored the Mental Health Week activities organized for May 2-8, 2005 by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Quebec Division. These activities focussed on the need to manage stress, and their theme was "Dresse ton stress!"
In recent years, the value of claims related to stress and burnout has been continuously climbing. In this kind of context, where mental health is involved, it becomes important to make available some new rules for healthy living.
Health Sector Donations and Sponsorships
In 2004, we donated more than $684,000 to organizations that work in the health sector, including Quebec City's Institut de cardiologie, which specializes in research related to heart valve disease, Montreal's Institut de recherches cliniques, which studies the causes of disease and develops preventive and therapeutic approaches to improve quality of life, and the Canadian Cancer Society. We also teamed up with the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association to support the 13th MAA Triathlon, which was held in Montreal in the fall of 2004 and raised $250,000 for the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, and their cancer patients.
Donations to Community Agencies and Organizations
At Desjardins Financial Security, generosity takes many forms. Every year, we donate used furniture and computers, stationery, and even promotional items to agencies that work with the needy, battered women, addicts, and disadvantaged youth. In 2004, we donated about $60,000 worth of used office furniture to Fondation des Sourds du Québec, an organization that manufactures and refurbishes office furniture and equipment, employing people with hearing impairments to do the work.
An Athlete in our Midst
Dean Bergeron, an international athlete on staff at Desjardins Financial Security, received financial support from the Company. Dean is a member of the national Wheelchair Athletics team and holds the 400-meter world record. He has won several medals at various national and international championships, including the Paralympic Games in Atlanta, Sydney and, in 2004, Athens, where he earned the bronze medal in the men's 800-meter event. We are proud to encourage Dean in the pursuit of his athletic and professional goals.
Employee Commitment
Social commitment is a value deeply held by Desjardins Financial Security employees. For several years, they have given generously to the United Way/Centraide campaign. In 2004, employee donations totalled slightly just over $157,000, while the Company contributed an additional $45,000.
Our employees' commitment is also demonstrated by their active participation in many other activities, including the very popular Christmas Toy Drive, which is conducted every year in Desjardins Financial Security's four main offices. New and used toys are collected, a draw is held, and employees volunteer to distribute the toys. The purpose of all these activities is to make sure needy children also have an opportunity to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
All these initiatives speak for themselves, demonstrating beyond doubt that social commitment is a value held dear by Desjardins Financial Security employees and managers.
For a more detailed description of our social commitment, please refer to the Desjardins Financial Security Social Responsibility Report.