Charity begins at the office at Ecclesiastical

There’s something unique about Ecclesiastical Insurance Office, and it’s not just the name. The Toronto-based provider is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned international family of financial service companies over 130 years old. Under the auspices of their charitable owner Benefact Trust, the companies have kept with their founding mission to pay back all available profits to charities and good causes.

“As far as we know, we are the only financial services group that gives all of its available profits back to the community,” says Ecclesiastical president David Huebel. “That’s our reason for being.”

Huebel says there is more to the name Ecclesiastical than people may realize, “We like to say that we insure those who enrich the lives of others, protecting them and historic and culturally significant places across Canada.” The company provides specialized insurance for landmark and heritage properties, educational institutions, charity, retirement living, faith organizations and a number of other entities.

“There are no similar companies in the insurance sector,” says Michelle Ferreira, a specialist underwriter at Ecclesiastical. “What really makes us unique is we’re able to support charities and vital parts of our communities by insuring them, but also supporting them, with our giving-back initiatives.

“I love that I get to be directly involved in supporting causes that are important to me.”

Ferreira recalls nominating the Toronto Wildlife Centre for a Give for Good grant, Ecclesiastical’s employee-led grant program. “I was able to actually deliver the cheque myself, and learn from them what they need and how they’re growing to support injured animals across the GTA.”

She observes that team volunteer days are fun and meaningful, having recently fundraised for the Terry Fox Run with her colleagues. “I feel lucky to work at an organization that encourages volunteering and provides paid days so that I can support causes that are close to my heart,” she says.

“They care about what’s important to you and reflect that through their giving-back initiatives, how we provide insurance, how we support colleagues, and how we support the greater community.”

Huebel talks about the many ways the company gives back, including its annual Community Impact Grant program for Canadian charities with services that support communities and change lives. It also sponsors the National Trust for Canada’s “Next Great Save” competition to preserve heritage properties, a partnership that began two years ago in celebration of Ecclesiastical Canada’s 50th anniversary.

Ferreira says she joined the company because of how “they grow their own talent and grow them in their ranks.” She began her journey at Ecclesiastical in its Business Associate Program, an accelerated learning opportunity for young graduates. “The mentorship, hands-on learning and professional designation I received is irreplaceable. It’s very much a home and a community that I’ve found at Ecclesiastical,” says Ferreira.

Huebel adds that Ecclesiastical supports employees' continued growth through Learning Achievement Awards and paid tuition for professional designations. “We believe that our people are our greatest asset,” he says. “We celebrate each promotion with a donation to our national charity partner.”

Huebel says that both as an insurer and employer, Ecclesiastical is committed to helping people. “Our teams are motivated to grow the business so that we can give even more to charitable causes and be the kind of workplace with careers that truly change lives."

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Greater Toronto’s Top Employers winners, published December 3, 2024 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.