The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, in partnership with FireSmart Canada and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, has announced the availability of Community Wildfire Prevention Grants.
These grants are a significant component of Wawanesa’s commitment to the Climate Champions Program, which allocates $2 million each year to initiatives aiding those combating the effects of climate change.
The collaboration between Wawanesa, FireSmart Canada, and ICLR will result in 10 grants, each worth up to $15,000.
These funds are intended to assist communities throughout Canada in enhancing their wildfire resilience through various prevention and mitigation strategies.
Jackie De Pape Hornick, Wawanesa’s Director of Corporate Communications and Community Impact, stated: “Wildfires uprooted so many lives this year, with devastating impacts to homes, businesses, and communities across Canada.
“We’re pleased to partner with the experts at FireSmart Canada and ICLR to support wildfire prevention and help communities reduce the risks of climate-related disasters before they happen.
“This is one of the ways our Wawanesa Climate Champions program is helping to build a safer, more sustainable future for our members, employees, and communities.”
Past grants have supported a wide array of initiatives, from sprinkler systems to educational programs, benefiting a diverse range of recipients, including Indigenous and rural communities, municipalities, and local fire departments.
Details on previous beneficiaries, application requirements, and how to apply can be found on their Wildfire Prevention website.
Canadian communities are invited to submit their applications for these grants, with a deadline set for December 15, 2023, at 12 p.m. CST.
The selection process will be conducted by a committee of subject matter experts from the partnering organizations.
The chosen recipients will be made public on March 1, 2024.
The news of the Community Wildfire Prevention Grants represents a proactive step in combatting the ever-increasing threat of wildfires.
Such initiatives not only provide the necessary resources for immediate action but also foster a culture of preparedness and prevention.
By enabling communities to invest in mitigation strategies and emergency planning, the program underlines a vital aspect of climate change adaptation and emphasizes the shared responsibility of safeguarding our habitats.
Reflecting the values of community, sustainability, and safety, the availability of these grants is a crucial move in addressing the complexities of climate-related disasters.
