Wawanesa joins B.C. wildfire response with on-the-ground member support

August 17, 2026, Penticton, B.C. – To support its members affected by the Bald Range wildfire in the Okanagan area of British Columbia, Wawanesa Insurance has deployed its Mobile Response Unit (MRU) to the evacuee reception centre in Penticton.

The MRU will be set up at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, located at 273 Power Street, starting Monday, August 17. Wawanesa team members working out of the vehicle will provide personalized support to members by helping them open claims, answering questions, and distributing care kits. The MRU will remain in place as long as needed, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone who has been forced to leave their home, close their businesses, or evacuate their farms,” said Evan Johnston, President & CEO of Wawanesa. “When disaster strikes, our responsibility as a mutual insurer extends beyond processing claims. It’s about showing up for our members and their communities with the support, guidance, and reassurance they need, when they need it most.”

Wawanesa’s MRU, which operates across Canada, serves as a fully equipped mobile office during a crisis. It features Wi-Fi for members, a soundproof meeting room for confidential conversations, and other helpful amenities.

Ahead of deploying the MRU, Wawanesa proactively contacted every member in the impacted area to start the claims process and initiate coverages, helping reduce stress as they navigated uncertainty. Wawanesa is also a member of the Canadian Red Cross Disaster Response Alliance, supporting the immediate response for displaced residents.

Wawanesa members are reminded they can contact the company 24/7 to open a claim by calling 1-844-WAWANESA (929-2637) or by visiting wawanesa.com.

About The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
Founded in 1896, The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, 100% owned by its members, with more than $4.1 billion in annual revenue and $12.5 billion in assets. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Wawanesa is the parent company of Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance solutions throughout Canada, and Western Financial Group, a leading national distributor of personal and business insurance. In March of 2026, Wawanesa entered into an agreement to acquire Everest Insurance Company of Canada to strengthen its commercial insurance capabilities and advance its long-term growth strategy.

Wawanesa proudly serves more than 1.8 million members across Canada. The company actively gives back to organizations that strengthen communities, donating more than $4 million annually to charitable organizations, including $2.5 million each year in support of people on the front lines of climate change. Learn more at wawanesa.com.

For more information:
Michel Rosset
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
media@wawanesa.com