Tim and Tracy Ferriss of DPM Insurance Group's Harrow office present a cheque to the Harrow Rotary for their portion of the proceeds from the 21st annual DPM Insurance Golf Tournament.

Over the years DPM has raised over $135,000 for local charities through the Golf Tournament and they continue to support charities in their areas all year long.

On August 24, 2012, DPM Insurance Group held their 21st annual Charity Golf Tournament at Country View Golf Course.

A total of 103 golfers attended and the proceeds were split between the 5 offices' local food banks in Chatham, Blenheim, Tilbury, Essex and Harrow.

Ed Kys, co-chairperson of the event, presented Brenda LeClair this year's donation to the Chatham Outreach For Hunger in the amount of $1,872.00.

Over the years DPM has raised over $135,000 for local charities through the Golf Tournament and they continue to support charities in their areas all year long.

During the winter months we can expect freezing rain, ice and snow.

Slip and fall injuries, frozen pipes, ice damming, and roof collapse due to inclement weather are a few of the claims that can occur.

Here are some tips on protecting your family and property during the winter months that may help you avoid a potentially unnecessary headache:

• Keep your furnace vent clear of ice and snow.
• Make sure the insulation and ventilation in the attic are adequate. Any sign of ice buildup on your roof during the winter months indicates a problem that could result in water damage.
• Keep your steps, sidewalks and driveways clear of ice and snow. This will reduce the possibility of a slip and fall injury from occurring.
• Hire a professional to remove and excessive snow from your roof after a heavy snowfall or accumulation that has built up over time.
• Keep exterior stairwell drains clear. This will prevent water from pooling and seeping into your basement area.
• If you are away from your home for an extended period of time, you should take reasonable steps to maintain the temperature in your home in order to avoid frozen and burst pipes. You should also consider shutting off the main water valve and draining the pipes and appliances.
• Again, if you are going away, consider having a family member or neighbour check on your property on a regular basis.

Even if we all do our best to prevent damage in our home, there is still a chance that it may occur. Here are some general guidelines on what to do if this happens:

• Make sure you, and your family, are safe.
• Call your broker or The Guarantee to report the damage.

Taking all of this into account, it is important to remember that prevention is not only an insurance concern; it will also help maintain the value of your home.

December 15th, 2011, the Chatham-Kent Insurance Brokers Association donated 200 cozy magenta blankets to four important charities in the local community.  The Tilbury Information and Help Center and The Salvation Army in Wallaceburg, Ridgetown and Chatham each received 50 blankets for their respective charities which will serve to benefit those most in need in the community.

The Tilbury Information and Health Center is an important community program which provides free, confidential information and referral services to the general public.  Similarly, The Salvation Army provides vital social services within the community.

Every year, the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) donates thousands of fleece blankets and volunteers their time to a variety of charities around the province. It is a reminder that insurance brokers are tremendously committed and active in their communities.

“Donating during the holidays has become something of a tradition for Chatham-Kent Insurance Broker’s Association,” stated Roberta Giffin of the Chatham-Kent Insurance Broker’s Association. “This is the fourth year that we have donated blankets towards deserving services in our community, and we hope to continue this annual giving for many years to come.”

Insurance brokers are known for their commitment to their community and keeping Ontarians safe. Insurance Brokers are consistent in providing support for local charities and as local independent business owners, the association’s members strongly believe in giving back to their community.

“The holiday season is the perfect time for giving, and we hope these blankets will offer a sense of warmth and comfort to the deserving men, women and children in our community,” concluded Giffin.

On August 26, 2011, DPM Insurance Group held their 20th annual Charity Golf Tournament at Country View Golf Course. The proceeds of $6,625 was divided between the 5 area offices of DPM to be distributed to their local Food Banks in Chatham, Blenheim, Tilbury, Essex and Harrow.

Pictured is Ed Kys of DPM Chatham presenting cheques totaling $1325 to Brenda LeClair of Outreach for Hunger.

Over the years DPM have donated approximately $100,000 to local area charities through the golf tournament.