This year, for Giving Tuesday—a global movement encouraging individuals and organizations to give back—Hearts of Blue, Alberta Blue Cross®’s employee-led charity, is supporting communities across Alberta through a $50,000 donation to local food banks.
Founded more than 25 years ago by Alberta Blue Cross® employees, Hearts of Blue was born out of their passion for helping others and a commitment to supporting our communities. Today, it continues to be funded and operated by Alberta Blue Cross® employees, providing support to grassroots charities throughout Alberta through donations and volunteerism. Funding for Hearts of Blue is also supplemented through Alberta Blue Cross’s community foundation, allowing employees to make an even greater difference.
“Most Albertans know Alberta Blue Cross® as their benefits provider, but beyond that we play a broad role as a champion for wellbeing for Albertans,” says Brian Geislinger, senior vice-president of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement with Alberta Blue Cross®. “Supporting access to healthy food is particularly important as many Albertans are struggling with an affordability crisis.”
To promote food equity, Alberta Blue Cross® is also an ongoing sponsor of Fresh Routes, a Calgary-based social enterprise that makes healthy and affordable food accessible to socioeconomically challenged communities.
Beyond the donation to food banks in communities across the province, Alberta Blue Cross® employees also took part in the organization’s annual Employee Giving Campaign throughout October and November. During this campaign, employees donated to Canadian-registered charities of their choice, with Alberta Blue Cross® matching up to $100 per employee through its community foundation.
“With many Albertans facing increasing pressures, the need for strong community support has never been greater,” says Narissa Kanji, director of Community Impact at Alberta Blue Cross®. “We are incredibly proud of our team members, whose generosity through this year’s Employee Giving Campaign reflects their deep commitment to the wellbeing of our province. Their contributions leave a lasting impact for those who need it most.”
This year, Alberta Blue Cross®’s Employee Giving Campaign raised more than $70,000 for a wide variety of charities, thanks to the generosity and dedication of the organization’s employees. From supporting food security to championing diverse causes in their communities, Alberta Blue Cross® employees are empowered to make a real difference.
For more information, please contact Amy Heise, communications officer in Corporate Communications, Alberta Blue Cross® at aheise@ab.bluecross.ca.
About Alberta Blue Cross®
As the largest provider of health benefits in Alberta, we believe we have the potential and responsibility to impact people’s lives for the better. We believe all communities should thrive, and we are committed to serving as a champion for wellness by promoting the health of Albertans.
This media release was shared as a news story on:
- Airdrie City View (print edition)
