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.
For a more detailed description of our social commitment, please refer to the Desjardins Financial Security Social Responsibility Report.
Partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association
Desjardins Financial Security is a partner of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Canada’s largest charitable organization promoting mental health.
CMHA is once again presenting its Mental Health Week from May 4 to 10, 2009, with this year’s theme being "Now more than ever, invest in yourself." Special emphasis will be placed on measures that employers and companies can adopt to make their work environments mentally healthy and productive.
For more information about Desjardins Financial Security’s commitment to mental health, consult the Health is Cool! zone.
The Becel Ride for Heart
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.
Health Sector Donations and Sponsorships
Here are a few organizations that received financial assistance from Desjardins Financial Security or its business lines in 2007:
- Association du cancer de l’Est du Québec
- Baycrest Centre of Toronto
- Bowling for Bednets – Unicef Canada – Malaria in Africa
- Canadian Association on Gerontology
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada
- Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada
- Fédération québécoise de l’autisme et des autres troubles envahissants du développement
- Fondation Institut de gériatrie de Montréal
- Heart & Stroke Foundation of Québec
- Institut de cardiologie de Québec
- MIRA Foundation
- Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
- Ontario Community Living
- Ontario Psychological Association
- The Psychology Foundation of Canada
Donations to Community Agencies and Organizations
At Desjardins Financial Security, generosity takes many forms. Every year, we donate used furniture and computers, stationery, etc. to agencies that work with the needy, battered women, addicts, and disadvantaged youth.
In 2005, the Company gave upwards of $100,000 to organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Portage Foundation, youth centers, and Auberges du cour, an umbrella organization of youth shelters.
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.
At the Paralympic Games
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.