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QUEBEC, March 7, 2025 /CNW/ - To mark International Women's Day on March 8, iA Financial Group (iA) is recognizing the efforts of four inspiring women at the company: Renée Laflamme, Sarah Nadeau, Gwen Gareau and Azmina Karim-Bondy. They have joined forces with the YWCAs of Quebec City, Toronto and Vancouver through their compassion and dedication to supporting women. A total donation of $600,000 was made to four important YWCA programs that offer women, girls and gender diverse individuals in need support, a safe environment and opportunities to reach their full potential.
The following testimonials underscore the positive impact of this funding for the programs.
YWCA Quebec – Cardinal Bégin Women's Rooming House
Renée Laflamme, Executive Vice-President, Individual Insurance, Savings and Retirement at iA, is ambassador of the YWCA's De l'ombre à la lumière (Out of the Shadows) fundraising event, and Sarah Nadeau, Vice-President, Transformation and Financial Performance at iA, is ambassador and board member of the YWCA Quebec's Cardinal-Bégin Women's Rooming House project. This home welcomes women and children fleeing domestic violence, offering a safe environment and resources to help them regain their independence and prepare to return to work.
"By supporting the YWCA Quebec's Cardinal-Bégin Women's Rooming House, iA Financial Group is providing a safe, welcoming environment where the women of our community can rebuild their lives and regain their independence. iA's generosity helps transform lives and contributes directly to building a more inclusive, resilient and humane society." – Olympe Beaudoin, General Manager, YWCA Quebec
YWCA Toronto – Health and Well-Being and Food Security Programs
Gwen Gareau, Senior Vice-President, iA Dealer Services and iA Auto Finance, will be representing iA at YWCA Toronto's Women of Distinction Awards and supports their Health and Well-being and Food Security programs. These programs provide nutritious meals, mental health support and housing services to over 13,000 women, gender diverse people and their families every year.
"YWCA Toronto's Health and Well-Being and Food Security programs provide critical support to the women, gender diverse individuals, and children we serve across the city of Toronto each year. Our continuum of services helps participants find stability and recover from the challenges of violence, poverty, food insecurity and homelessness they face. Through safe emergency shelter and permanent housing, nutritious meals, food hampers and one-on-one crisis counselling, we are able to address immediate needs. Additionally, healing arts therapies and holistic wrap-around supports, and access to employment and skills training tackle the complex mental, physical and financial health barriers many participants face, fostering long-term well-being and resilience." – Heather M. McGregor, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Toronto.