For the second year in a row, SSQauto is happy to have contributed to the positive results of the annual Fondation des pompiers du Québec pour les grands brûlés fundraising campaign. In addition to the financial support provided to the Foundation as its main partner, SSQauto also took on the role of official sponsor for the "Agir à grande échelle" campaign aimed at the general public and held on October 15 and 16, 2011. The campaign collected the unprecedented amount of $275,000.

"We are very proud to have the financial support of SSQauto. In addition to providing crucial financial support to the Foundation, SSQauto has made a real effort to organize financing activities for continued medical research and for the purchase of specialized equipment for burn treatment centres,"said Mr. Michel Crevier, Chairman of the Board for the Foundation. The enthusiasm is mutual and Mr. Gilles Mourette, Chief Executive Officer of SSQauto, agreed that "as a socially responsible company, it is a real pleasure to get involved with a Foundation that promotes public security, prevention and well-being."

This is such an important cause for SSQauto that in addition to actively participating in the campaign, the company decided to involve the members of its personnel and managers. Throughout the year, the organization prepared several activities to collect funds and raise awareness. These included the sale of autographed firefighter calendars, a lunch conference with Dr. François Auger, an international leader in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and "jeans day,"where all employees were invited to wear denim to work in exchange for a donation to the Foundation. Finally, Mr. Aurel Lessard, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at SSQauto, happily agreed to become the honorary president of the Foundation's 2011 golf tournament.

About the Fondation des pompiers du Québec pour les grands brûlés

Since its inception over 27 years ago, the Fondation des pompiers du Québec pour les grands brûlés has managed to raise almost $12 million. The funds raised by the Foundation have been used in the development of medical research and have made it possible to purchase specialized equipment for burn treatment centres at the CHUM (Hôtel-Dieu) in Montreal and the CHA (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus) in Quebec City. These funds have also helped the Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Entraide Grands Brûlés, and various other hospitals throughout Quebec thanks to its regional fund.

About SSQauto

SSQauto has been providing automotive, home, and business insurance to groups and individuals for nearly 25 years. With its very competitive rates, unmatched service, and cutting-edge technology, SSQauto is dedicated to raising the standards of the industry.

About SSQ Financial Group

With $2 billion in annual revenue and over $7 billion in assets under management, SSQ Financial Group is a leading mutual diversified financial institution. The Group serves over one million customers and provides jobs to over 1,600 employees. SSQ, Life Insurance Company Inc., the Group's principal company, is recognized as a leader in the group insurance industry and as an expert in the investment and retirement sector. SSQ Financial Group is also a rising star in home and auto insurance (SSQ General Insurance Company Inc.).

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Source: Marie Lamontagne
Senior Vice-President - Corporate Communications and Marketing
Telephone: 418-652-2764
marie.lamontagne@ssq.ca