As a mutual company, UV Insurance has been involved for nearly 20 years with the Société de Coopération pour le développement international (SOCODEVI), a leading Quebec organization in the international cooperation sector. “With this partnership, we want to contribute to the continuation and promotion of the cooperative model around the world and make a tangible commitment towards more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous communities,” explained Christian Mercier, Chief Executive Officer of UV Insurance.
Among the initiatives supported, UV Insurance will make a major donation of $100,000 for an inclusive economic development initiative in the tourism sector. Managed by SOCODEVI in Guatemala, the PRODISOL project aims to revitalize the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake Atitlán region. Drawing on its vast experience of working with rural communities in this Central American country, SOCODEVI will be deploying activities and tools to involve indigenous women and youth in each of the region’s communities—a key ingredient for sustainability and improved living conditions in the area.
“This project in Guatemala is part of a wider effort to mobilize our employees, our mutualists and our business network around the challenges of sustainable development and reflects our desire to make a difference, at least on a small scale, in the world around us, here and elsewhere,” added Mr. Mercier. As such, an internal network of ambassadors will be created to showcase and promote SOCODEVI’s initiatives. “UV Insurance’s contribution to the success of our mission demonstrates how strong our shared values and commitment really are. Such support from a member institution is also a strong show of recognition for the efforts made by our teams in some fifteen countries for the benefit of tens of thousands of cooperating families,” explains Jean-Philippe Marcoux, CEO of SOCODEVI.
With this partnership, UV Insurance is also committed to supporting SOCODEVI’s carbon tracking by taking part in offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions generated by its activities. It should be noted that SOCODEVI is one of the first international cooperative organizations in the country to be certified carbon neutral.
About SOCODEVI
The Société de coopération pour le développement international (SOCODEVI), whose head office is located in Quebec City, works to improve the living conditions of communities in developing countries by helping to create and strengthen sustainable and inclusive cooperative and mutual enterprises. Since 1985, it has formed a network of cooperative and mutualist enterprises based in Quebec that share expertise and know-how with partners in developing countries to create, protect and redistribute wealth in a fair and responsible way.
About UV Insurance
Founded in 1889, UV Insurance is one of Canada’s oldest insurance companies. It has become well known for its financial stability and customer service to the local community. With its high-tech platforms, UV Insurance offers a range of individual and critical illness insurance, group insurance, and investment and retirement products. It has made its mark over the years by focusing on innovation, flexible products and a vast network of independent advisors. Headquartered in Drummondville, the company serves the Canadian market, particularly Quebec and Ontario.
UV Insurance is a trade name and trademark of The Union Life Mutual Assurance Company.
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For more information
Marilyn Baril
Director, Communications
UV Insurance
819-478-1315, ext. 2541
mbaril@uvinsurance.ca