(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

20th anniversary

Western Financial raises money for Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre in annual charity walk

May 22, 2025 | 2:29 PM

In honour of the 20th anniversary of its national charity walk, Western Financial Group Communities Foundation held its annual event on Thursday in benefit of the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre.

Previously known as the National Walk to Support the Cause, this year’s event, which runs from May 19-24, was rebranded as the National Walk for Safe Places.

Every year, each branch chooses a local charity or organization to raise money for and they chose the centre because it’s near and dear to their hearts.

“Seniors are the ones that are typically neglected in communities so we want to make sure we’re giving back to those people who’ve supported us for 20 years, our clients since day one. We want to make sure we’re giving back to that organization,” said Amy Sissons, Western Financial Group sales director for central Alberta.

On Thursday, participants took part in the walk as well as a barbecue outside the centre to raise $1,000 for seniors. They also sold hotdogs and drinks in hopes of reaching the goal.

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In other events earlier this year, Western Financial Group raised just over $2,000 for the Golden Circle Resource Centre.

Lisa Manning, executive director of the Golden Circle Resource Centre, said any funds are a huge help.

The money donated to them will go towards programs, meals, and activities that the seniors utilize at the centre.

“Typically, fundraising is used in a few different ways for membership, so like our in-building activities. We have an outreach program that we get grant funding for and then we have a members side. Our members side is typically where we use our fundraising dollars,” Manning said. “Social isolation is such a big part of life right now, not just in seniors, but in everyone. Being able to come to a place where you’re accepted and have a bunch of different activities, it creates a great impact in their lives.”

Since 2005, Western Financial Group has raised over $1 million for charities and has also gone to funding playgrounds, awarding scholarships, and transforming community spaces across Canada. It’s involved thousands of western team members and partners from over 200 communities.

“I think it’s important to remember our foundation because we live here it’s really important we give back to the communities that we work in,” Sissons added. “These are our customers, our employees, and our families. We want to make sure what we’re doing also contributes to the communities that support our organization.”

In addition, the foundation will donate $10,000 to local charities through its #StepUpAndShare Photowalk Challenge set for May 1-24. Participants are encouraged to share photos of their walking shoes or their neighbourhoods on social media using hashtag #StepUpAndShare, tagging their favourite charity. Each post enters the participant for a chance to win a $1,000 donation for their charity. Ten winners will be announced on May 27.