When wildfires swept across the provinces this year, Canadians from all across the country rallied to meet the challenge. The devastation impacted millions of lives, leading so many to search for ways they could contribute.
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre estimates that more than 42 million acres have been consumed nationwide by at least 5,738 fires that have raged across parched landscapes. Devastation covered large areas of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. Other provinces were affected as well, including Nova Scotia, Quebec, and parts of Ontario. The smoke from these eastern fires blanketed huge parts of Canada and the U.S., spreading both devastation and awareness of the need for assistance.
In British Columbia, one of the provinces most affected, there’s been a huge response from local businesses and organizations to meet the needs of both frontline workers and of the thousands of displaced victims of the fires.
In September, Wealth Professional Magazine reported on how Harbourfront Wealth Management and its people have mobilized to help those affected by the wildlife catastrophe. WP interviewed Chris Anderson, a senior investment advisor, senior portfolio manager, and insurance advisor at RiverRock Private Wealth Partners, a practice that is part of Harbourfront Wealth Management.
Anderson told WP: “Our practice serves a large number of clients in Yellowknife, NWT, and BC. People who have been on alert or evacuated due to the ongoing wildfires are facing serious disruptions to their lives.”
Anderson marshaled his office to reach out to clients who were affected by the fires, both at their homes in Yellowknife and in Edmonton, where many of them had sought refuge after a mandatory evacuation order.
Along with Anderson’s efforts, Danny Popescu, CEO of Harbourfront Wealth Management, stepped forward with a plan to amplify these efforts, pledging to match donations of up to $50,000 to the Harbourfront Gives Foundation’s BC and Northwest Territories Wildfires Relief & Rebuild campaign. These funds are earmarked for the Canadian Red Cross to support its essential recovery work.
Anderson was quick to make his own personal donations to Harbourfront Gives Foundation, ensuring victims would benefit from Danny Popescu’s generous matching.
Harbourfront Management’s advanced data technology turned out to be one source of comfort for clients. With all client records digitally stored, during this emergency, Harbourfront Management clients did not need to worry about essential financial documents being lost.
“Space is limited on what you can bring during an evacuation,” Anderson explained to WP. “Our clients knew they could prioritize irreplaceable items to save without worrying about paperwork.”
Anderson had a deeply personal perspective on the physical, financial and emotional damage wrought by the wildfires. Two years ago, his brother-in-law’s family lost their home in the Monty Lake fires. The recent BC wildfires at one point also threatened his own property, but it was spared.
“We cannot know the extent of the financial impact yet because the livelihoods of so many Canadians have been impacted,” he noted to WP. “Some may be in rental accommodations while still making mortgage payments on a home they cannot return to. As the smoke clears, we’re here to help guide our clients through the uncertainty and offer support.”
Harbourfront Gives Foundation recently surpassed a milestone of over $500,000 in donations raised supporting 68 charitable organizations.
For more information on Harbourfront Gives Foundation, or to make a donation, please visit the website.
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