Built for What’s Next: Strengthening Resilience Across Canada

Across Canada, wildfires, floods, and severe storms are increasing in frequency and intensity. Communities are being tested in new ways, and resilience isn’t built in the middle of the crisis. It must be built long before the first evacuation order or emergency alerts come in.

That’s why Team Rubicon Canada is proud to share that we’ve received a $50,000 investment from Wawanesa Insurance as part of a national commitment supporting charities across the country. For us, this funding is about one thing: readiness.

As a veteran-led humanitarian organization, Team Rubicon Canada mobilizes trained volunteers—Greyshirts made up of veterans, first responders, and kick-ass civilians—to serve before, during, and after disasters. We serve in many ways during these times, such as clearing access routes, managing debris, supporting incident management, and providing heirloom recovery services for families navigating loss. We also work before disasters, providing wildfire mitigation and flood preparation, while training year-round so that when municipalities request assistance, we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively.

This investment strengthens that foundation.

“Wawanesa’s support directly strengthens our ability to show up for communities when it matters most,” said Kimberly West, Director of Development at Team Rubicon Canada. “This investment ensures our volunteer network of Greyshirts, are trained, prepared, and ready to work alongside people impacted by disaster, helping them recover, rebuild, and move forward with dignity. Just as importantly, it allows us to plan, maintain readiness, and respond quickly when communities ask for help. Partnerships like this are essential to building resilience and ensuring communities across Canada are not facing disaster alone.”

That ability to plan is critical, and with disasters becoming more complex, governments at every level are facing increased pressure on systems and resources. Team Rubicon Canada fills a vital gap by bringing disciplined execution, operational experience, and a bias for action to recovery and mitigation efforts once the immediate danger has passed.

Wawanesa’s President and CEO, Evan Johnston, underscored the importance of community in their purpose-driven approach:

“As a mutual, our success creates more opportunities to help our communities thrive allowing us to deliver even more value for our members. Embedding community into our updated purpose statement reinforces just how central it is to who we are and ensures our members and their needs stay at the heart of every decision.”

That focus on thriving communities aligns with our mission. Whether we’re supporting wildfire recovery in Alberta, flood response in Atlantic Canada, or mitigation work in high-risk areas, our goal is the same: ensure communities are not facing disaster alone and that they are better prepared for what comes next.

This $50,000 investment supports volunteer training, operational coordination, and the systems that allow us to respond quickly and responsibly. It ensures we can maintain readiness between disasters, not just during them.

Resilience isn’t reactive. It’s intentional, and built through preparation, partnership, and people willing to step into the arena when it matters most.

Thanks to our partners like Wawanesa, we’re ready for what’s next.