Aviva Canada has announced it will provide $250,000 to Team Rubicon Canada, a veteran-led humanitarian organization focused on disaster response and preparedness across the country.
The funding will support disaster response, mitigation, and preparedness efforts as Team Rubicon Canada marks its 10th year of operations. The organization became operational in Canada in 2016 following the Fort McMurray wildfire and works with communities before, during, and after disasters and crises.
“With severe weather becoming a defining challenge for communities, our focus must remain on protecting Canadians and building resilience,” said Susan Penwarden, managing director of personal lines at Aviva Canada. “Through working with Team Rubicon Canada, we’re ensuring help reaches those affected in the critical hours and days after a disaster, when support matters most.”
The partnership comes as climate-driven disasters place increasing demands on communities and support organizations. Aviva, which serves 2.5 million customers across Canada, said it has observed the growing impacts of severe weather-related events on communities nationwide.
The funding will enhance Team Rubicon Canada’s operational readiness, including the training and deployment of its volunteer workforce, according to a news release. The volunteers include veterans, first responders, and skilled civilians. Resources will also support disaster mitigation and preparedness initiatives designed to reduce long-term community impacts and accelerate recovery following disasters.
Team Rubicon Canada currently works with more than 4,300 volunteers and has launched more than 150 missions domestically and internationally since its Canadian inception. The organization is a member of the federal government’s Humanitarian Workforce and works alongside all levels of government and community partners.
“Strong partnerships are essential to effective disaster response,” said Mischa Kaplan, chief executive officer of Team Rubicon Canada. “As we mark 10 years of service to Canadian communities, Aviva’s investment allows us to better prepare our volunteers, respond more quickly when disasters strike, and work toward a more co-oinception in Canadardinated and resilient disaster response system across Canada.”
The partnership will include hands-on volunteer opportunities for Aviva employees to participate in Team Rubicon Canada missions. The organizations will also collaborate on advocacy efforts to strengthen and streamline disaster response and preparedness systems across Canada.
