(September 28, 2016, Kitchener, ON) – A Canadian property/casualty insurance company with a unique approach to business is stepping up in a big way to help the people who were displaced by the devastating wild fire in Ft. McMurray, Canada.
In keeping with its commitment to helping others in crisis, MAX Canada Insurance Co., and its Mutual Aid Ministries (MAM) program have announced an unprecedented $80,000 gift to Mennonite Disaster Services to aid in the Ft. McMurray recovery efforts.
“MAM is the heart of MAX,” said Elaine Shantz, MAX Canada Board Chairman. “We are pleased to partner with MDS as their recovery teams help affected families get back on their feet.”
MAM is funded through top-line revenue contributions from MAX Canada. Over the years, it has helped countless individuals and families facing financial crises due to accidents, job loss or other unforeseen challenges. “We care beyond the contract by devoting a percentage of every premium to MAM. When we witnessed the heart-breaking devastation in Ft. McMurray we knew we had to help in a big way.”
The gift to MDS is the largest in the ministry’s history, said Shantz. “This crisis is unique in the annals of our program. It required a unique response.”
“We were blown away when MAX called us and said they were going to make this gift,” said Ross Penner, MDS’ Region 5 Director of Operations. “It is a very significant gift and it’s going to do so much to help Ft. McMurray recover. Specifically, we will use these funds to provide meals, food and supplies for the MDS volunteers who will be going to Ft. McMurray in the coming weeks.”
Penner explained that MDS volunteers will soon arrive in Ft. McMurray to begin rebuilding homes and businesses. “Our volunteers are an extraordinary group of caring people,” Penner said. “They are skilled workers who give freely of their time and talents to help others in need.”
ABOUT MAX CANADA
MAX Canada Insurance Company is a property/casualty insurance company that believes in a set of core values that derive from our founding Mennonite, Brethren and other Anabaptist faith communities. MAX employees, representatives, and members subscribe to and practice these values as conditions of their association with the enterprise:
MAX is FAIR. We believe in treating others as we would like to be treated.
MAX is FAITHFUL. We affirm and seek Higher Guidance from God, whose blessing extends to all people, no matter their particular spiritual pathway.
MAX is SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE. We believe business has a responsibility to do good in the world.
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Office
50 Queen Street North, Suite 860
Kitchener, ON N2H 6P4, Canada
877-770-7729
1-519-634-5159
Overland Park, Kansas Office
4400 College Boulevard, Suite 250
Overland Park, KS 66211
877-971-6300
877-785-0085
ABOUT MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS)
Mennonite Disaster Service is volunteer network of Anabaptist churches dedicated to responding to natural and man-made disasters in Canada and the United States.
Our aim is to assist the most vulnerable community members, individuals, and families who would not otherwise have the means to recover. MDS volunteers – men and women, youth and adults – provide the skills and labor needed to respond, rebuild and restore in the wake of a disaster.
MDS is known for having a collaborative spirit, and we work with other groups including faith-based organizations, local recovery committees, and both governmental and non-governmental agencies. MDS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
MDS Binational Office
583 Airport Road
Lititz, PA 17543
USA
T: (800) 241-8111
T: (717) 735-3536
F: (717) 735-0809
mdsus@mds.mennonite.net
MDS Region V Office
6A-1325 Markham Rd
Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6
CANADA
T: (866) 261-1274 (Can. only)
T: (204) 261-1274
F: (204) 261-1279
mdscn@mds.mennonite.net
Photo: Elaine Shantz, MAX Canada Board Chairman; Paul Burns, MAX Canada Underwriting Manager and Mutual Aid Ministries Advisory Team Member; Ross Penner, MDS Region 5 Director of Operations.
Karen Morrone