The Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan (IBAS) is contributing $9,100 to develop and deliver new, short-term mental health resources to support the province’s hard-hit tourism and food services sectors.

Made possible by funds raised through the 2021 #BrokersCare Campaign for Mental Health, this investment will enable Hospitality Saskatchewan (formerly the Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association) to offer employers and employees in the industry specialized education services and enhanced access to individual wellness coaching. Saskatoon-based mental health advocate Allan Kehler has joined in the effort to lead the project.

“Many days, we are fielding mental health inquiries from members whose businesses and lives have been completely uprooted by COVID-19,” explains Hospitality Saskatchewan President & CEO Jim Bence. “It’s a desperate time out there. If we can make a difference for even just one person — to give them the tools they need to cope, or the reminder they need to know they’re not alone — we will have a truly live-saving impact.”

The initiative will focus on three areas of support: Interactive learning sessions, personalized mentorship, and on-demand podcasts that individuals can listen to on-the-job or in their own downtime. Content will be tailored to business owners and front-line workers spanning hotels and inns, bars and restaurants, live events centers, caterers, and tourism operators.

“Few segments of our economy have felt the brunt of the pandemic quite like the hospitality sector,” says Kevin Bailey, vice president with Wawanesa Insurance, which is the Presenting Partner of the #BrokersCare campaign. “These are not just businesses that have been devastated — the families, staff, entrepreneurs, and communities behind them have suffered immensely as well. These are our neighbours, so it’s important that we extend our hands and help out wherever we can.”

For more information about this announcement or the #BrokersCare campaign, please contact IBAS President & CEO Derek Lothian at (306) 525-4075 or by e-mail at derek.lothian@ibas.ca.