News & Events

AFBS renews its support for the work of the Actors’ Fund of Canada with $100,000 contribution

TORONTO, Ont., – March 25, 2015 – The Actors’ Fund of Canada is proud to announce that Actra Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) is renewing its support for the work of the Actors’ Fund of Canada with a contribution of $100,000. AFBS, a not-for-profit, Member-owned insurance company, has supported the work of the Actors’ Fund for over 21 years including providing fully-subsidised office space for the charity which provides emergency financial relief for all Canadian entertainment industry professionals.

AFBS President and CEO Robert Underwood is delighted that AFBS can renew its commitment to the Actors’ Fund with the contribution of $100,000. “Our members know that the Actors’ Fund of Canada plays an important role in supporting those in our industry who are facing crisis situations,” Underwood said. “The donations committee and the entire AFBS Board of Governors applaud the Fund’s excellent work.”  Actors’ Fund of Canada Executive Director David Hope added, “AFBS is a wonderful example of an industry partner who is truly in invested in the well-being of entertainment industry members. Their contribution will help support all entertainment industry professionals in need and thereby support the industry as a whole.”

AFBS is a not-for-profit financial services organization providing for the specialized insurance, healthcare and retirement needs of performers and writers across Canada. AFBS is owned and governed by its Members, and since being founded in 1975, has grown to become one of the Canada’s top 200 financial institutions. When AFBS designs and offers programs, it does so with years of expertise, knowledge and compassion that can’t be matched by traditional insurers.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that provides short-term financial aid to entertainment industry professionals working in film and TV, theatre, music and dance. The Actors’ Fund is not just for actors: performers, creators, technical staff and other production team members can apply for help from the Canadian charity. The Fund has delivered over $500,000 in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses to clients in the last 12 months and has helped over 11,000 entertainment industry members recover from injury, illness and other personal hardships since it was founded in 1958. The Actors’ Fund of Canada was the recipient of a honourary Gemini in 2011.

     AFBS President and CEO Robert Underwood (L) with David Hope Executive Director of the Actors’ Fund of Canada (R). Photo: Rebecca Russell

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CONTACT:

David Hope
Actors’ Fund of Canada
Phone: 1-877-399-8392
Email: contact@actorsfund.ca