News & Events

News: The AFC launches Financial Wellness Program

Toronto– Feb. 1, 2017–The AFC announced today the launch of its Financial Wellness Program, an exciting new initiative aimed at helping entertainment professionals recover when illness, injury or other severe hardship threatens their health, housing or ability to work.

The Financial Wellness Program is made possible through the generous support of Richard Rooney and Laura Dinner.

Through this new program, those who have received emergency financial aid from The AFC will also have access to accredited financial counsellors with industry knowledge who can provide customized, relevant information that will assist in their long-term recovery. Clients of The AFC will be eligible to receive personalized advice from counsellors at Credit Canada – a non-profit agency that has helped millions of Canadians improve their financial situations. Clients can also access Credit Canada’s Financial Coaching Series, Credit Canada’s Debt Management Program, one-on-one financial therapy sessions offered by Amanda Mills of Loose Change Inc. and a subscription to the online learning database Lynda.com. These high-quality and high-value services will be made available to clients at no cost.

“When Seana McKenna and I first approached Richard and Laura about The AFC’s desire to provide more help to those in our industry who are struggling to stay afloat after an emergency, they immediately offered to fund the program,” said The AFC’s president Fiona Reid, C.M., D.C.L. “Richard and Laura are stalwart supporters of the arts and we are deeply grateful for this remarkable gift that they have given us. Because of them, entertainment professionals in crisis situations will be able to access financial counselling and coaching by people who understand what a career in this rewarding but challenging sector entails. Their gift is one that will have a lasting impact on the people we help and the industry as a whole and we are thankful for their generosity.”

“We have been helping industry workers keep their lights on, stay in their homes and feed their families since 1958 and are delighted to be offering even more services to assist members of our community,” said The AFC’s executive director David Hope. “In a sector where jobs are often part time, seasonal or offered on short-term contract, an unforeseen emergency can have devastating consequences. The Financial Wellness Program is designed to empower entertainment professionals to build financial resiliency while continuing to do the work they love.”

The AFC is the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry. Through compassionate and confidential support, The AFC helps Canadian entertainment professionals maintain their health, dignity and ability to work. In the last 24 months, The AFC has distributed over $1 million in emergency financial aid to help entertainment professionals working in all aspects of film & TV, music, theatre and dance.

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Contact:

David Hope

Executive Director

The AFC – the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry

David@AFChelps.ca

1.877.399.8392