Latest news with #inclusivespaces
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Western Communities Foundation Annual Report Highlights Record-Breaking Year of Community Impact
Over $699,000 donated, 160+ organizations supported, and a renewed focus on safe, inclusive spaces across Canada Western Communities Foundation 2024 Giving Recap HIGH RIVER, Alberta, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Western Communities Foundation (WCF), the charitable arm of Western Financial Group, has released its 2024 Annual Giving Report, showcasing a landmark year of giving, volunteerism, and community resilience across Canada. In 2024, WCF donated $699,244 to over 160 organizations, supported 37 community infrastructure projects and three Indigenous grants, and raised $311,883 through employee-led fundraising efforts. These milestones reflect Western's enduring commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where Canadians and our wider communities can thrive. 'In tough times, one message was clear: when care drives our actions and purpose leads the way, there is no limit to the positive changes we can make,' said Grant Ostir, Western Financial Group CEO and WCF President. Highlights from the report include: #100kForGivingTuesday: In partnership with CanadaHelps, WCF granted $100,000 to ten Canadian charities nominated by the public, amplifying grassroots efforts in health, education, environment, and mental wellness. National Walk: the 2024 Walk saw 87% employee participation and donated $100,200 for over 100 local charities. Disaster Relief: WCF donated $20,000 to support wildfire recovery in Jasper, Alberta, alongside free crisis counselling for evacuees. Indigenous Support: Over $23,000 was invested in Indigenous-led projects and student bursaries, advancing reconciliation and youth empowerment. WCF extends its deepest thanks to all 2024 sponsors and donors, including: Wawanesa , Optiom Inc., SGI Canada, Intact Insurance, Definity, Greenshield, Peace Hills Insurance, BMS, Portage Mutual Insurance, Applied Systems, Aviva Canada, Northbridge Insurance, Red Planet Software, among many others. 'As we look ahead, we carry forward the momentum of the past year, guided by our unwavering commitment as Canada's insurance broker to helping our customers and communities manage risks and ensure the protection of what is important to them,' said Nancy Green-Bolton, Western Financial Group's COO and WCF Board Chair. To learn more about the WCF, visit to read the full report, visit: Western Financial Group Communities FoundationFounded in 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation serves to give back to the communities where Western employees live and work and play, and foster employee pride and engagement. The Foundation's core donation programs include community Infrastructure Grants, the Western Inspirational Awards for graduating high school students, and the Matching Grants Program. Since its inception, the Western Communities Foundation has granted more than $9 million to support local communities. Visit for more information. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: For more information: Nichola Petts, Manager - Media and Public Relations in to access your portfolio


Arabian Business
20-05-2025
- Health
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi set to create additional ‘Nabdh' community hubs under new DCD–DMT agreement
Abu Dhabi is set to roll out a wider network of 'Nabdh' community hubs under a new agreement between the Department of Community Development (DCD) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), as reported by WAM. The initiative aims to enhance community engagement, foster belonging, and improve residents' overall quality of life. The agreement, announced this week, will see more Nabdh hubs established across various regions of the emirate. The DMT will oversee the development and support of these facilities, ensuring that modern standards are met and cater to all segments of society. Purpose-built spaces for connection and inclusion The first of its kind, Nabdh hub in Abu Dhabi was designed as an inclusive space to encourage community interaction, provide access to enriching programmes, and offer support services tailored to the needs of families, youth, and senior citizens. Hamad Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development, highlighted that the agreement aligns with the goals of the Year of Community, by creating more inclusive spaces that nurture cooperation, belonging, and shared experiences among community members. 'This collaboration will expand our reach to a wider audience and enable us to develop sustainable programmes that resonate with community members, ultimately improving their quality of life,' Al Dhaheri said. He stressed the importance of thoughtful design to ensure the hubs serve different age groups effectively from youth empowerment initiatives to wellbeing support for older adults. Investing in quality-of-life infrastructure 'Providing advanced community facilities across Nabdh hubs is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at creating infrastructure that enhances the residents' quality of life in Abu Dhabi. We believe that developing these centres plays a key role in enhancing social cohesion while reflecting the dynamic nature of Abu Dhabi's urban landscape,' Dr. Saif Sultan Al Nasri, Acting Undersecretary of DMT said. 'Collaborating with the Department of Community Development has enabled us to achieve higher levels of inclusivity in developmental projects, demonstrating our commitment to building and developing modern facilities defined by engineering and architectural excellence. These initiatives play a vital role in supporting the Emirate's efforts to provide social infrastructure and services that meet the highest standards and best practices,' Al Nasri added. The expansion of Nabdh hubs aims to highlight Abu Dhabi's continued investment in social infrastructure and its commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive neighbourhoods. The initiative is aligned with the Emirate's long-term vision of building communities that are resilient, connected, and empowered through purpose-driven design and programming.


Zawya
20-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi to establish more 'Nabdh' community hubs
ABU DHABI - The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), signed an agreement marking to expand and establish more "Nabdh" community hubs across various regions of the Emirate. The first-of-a-kind 'Nabdh' community hub in Abu Dhabi is designed to facilitate community engagement and connections by providing inclusive spaces for community members. Under the agreement, the DMT will offer support in establishing the new hubs and develop modern facilities that cater to all community segments. Eng. Hamad Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of DCD, highlighted that the agreement aligns with the goals of the Year of Community by creating more inclusive spaces that nurture cooperation, belonging, and shared experiences among community members. 'This collaboration will expand our reach to a wider audience and enable us to develop sustainable programmes that resonate with community members, ultimately improving their quality of life.' He confirmed the importance of designing these hubs thoughtfully to cater to various age groups. The hubs will offer a conducive environment to empower youth, enhance the well-being of senior citizens, and provide families with access to enriching programmes and activities. Dr. Saif Sultan Al Nasri, Acting Undersecretary of DMT, commented, 'Providing advanced community facilities across Nabdh hubs is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at creating infrastructure that enhances the residents' quality of life in Abu Dhabi. We believe that developing these centres plays a key role in enhancing social cohesion while reflecting the dynamic nature of Abu Dhabi's urban landscape.' "Collaborating with the Department of Community Development has enabled us to achieve higher levels of inclusivity in developmental projects, demonstrating our commitment to building and developing modern facilities defined by engineering and architectural excellence. These initiatives play a vital role in supporting the Emirate's efforts to provide social infrastructure and services that meet the highest standards and best practices," Al Nasri added.