ADAM JACKSON/Ponoka News
For Co-operators Ponoka agent Greg Braat, it’s time to give back to the community.
The insurance firm will donate $10 for every quote handled to a sports organization or team every six months, with no purchase necessary by the customer.
“We like to support what our clients are supporting in town,” said Braat. “It’s a way for us to not only generate interest in our business here, but it’s a way to be in the community a little bit more as well as give back to the community.”
After taking over the agency in July of 2010, Braat has been searching for a way to gain extra business, so he has decided that the best way to gain trust from the people of Ponoka is to give back to the community he’s working for.
“It’s a good opportunity for prospective customers to come in and see the services that we provide, provide them with advice and save them a little money,” said Braat. “And at the same time, they can donate to a great cause in town.”
In the past with this donation method, Braat and his firm has sponsored a female peewee hockey team, but he is looking for a league or team to sponsor right now.
Donations are collected over six-month periods and at the end of the period, the league or team receives all money raised.
Although it may not seem beneficial for the company to donate even when they don’t make a sale, Braat has a simple explanation for that.
“It would be unfair to force people to buy and we just want the opportunity to show them what we can do for them,” said Braat.
Braat estimates $1,000 will be donated every six months to selected sports team or organization.
“The Ponoka residents are my clients, I feel obligated to give back to them specifically,” said Braat. “For myself, having three kids in hockey and in ball, I appreciate what corporations do for my children and I understand how important it is.”