What’s New: In Brief (May 26, 2009)

RSA launched a new tool to help consumers mitigate water damage.
Beginning May 19, all RSA customers were sent a brochure with advice from the insurer’s property experts on how to protect their homes and properties from water damage.
Tips included where to place downspouts on the outside of homes, installing window wells on basement windows to prevent seepage, keeping drains and toilets free of household grease to avoid blockages and what to do to protect a home when it is empty for three days or more in the winter, an RSA release says.
“Many homes were affected by water damage last year. These tips can have an immediate impact on helping our customers protect their homes and possessions,” said Shelley Toyota, director of personal lines at RSA.

The Co-Operators announced Cdn$213,000 in grants to support the work of 11 community-based organizations that help disadvantaged people move toward self-reliance.
The organizations and grants include:
•    Causeway Work Centre, Ottawa – $20,000
•    Le REgroupement des Partenaires Francophones, Ottawa – $20,000
•    Centretown Laundry Co-Op, Ottawa – $20,000
•    A-Way Express Courier, Toronto – $20,000
•    Enterprising Non-Profits, Toronto – $10,000
•    Sistering: A Woman’s Place, Toronto – $20,000
•    Common Ground Co-Operative, Toronto – $20,000
•    Welcome Inn Community Centre, Hamilton – $20,000
•    Pathways Skill Development and Placement Centre, London – $18,000
•    SEED Winnipeg, Winnipeg – $20,000
•    JustWork Economic Initiative, Vancouver – $20,000