The New Guy
The newest member of Nova Mutual‘s Board of Directors was welcomed in June 2020, at our very first virtual AGM. Eric Harrop is freshly retired from a career in finance spanning nearly 40 years. He has been a welcome addition, bringing financial expertise and extensive business and agriculture knowledge along with him.
When asked – “Why Nova?”, Eric shared, “I felt I could contribute in a positive way to Nova Mutual based on my work experience and knowledge of the industry. I was impressed by the professional staff and the progressive direction that the Board is taking, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
A busy man, Eric enjoys swimming, cycling, running, woodworking. And he still, somehow, manages to find time to spend with his wife and 2 adult children.
Spark Joy!
As a part of our Director Snapshot series, each Board Member is invited to select a cause that speaks to them for us to focus on. We then work together to ensure that our contribution is impactful and to amplify the cause’s key messages.
Eric is passionate about mental health initiatives and has worked with the Canadian Mental Health Association since 2016. He is inspired by hearing people share their stories, successes, struggles and always looks for a way to help.
In chatting with Mr. Michael F. Benin, Executive Director of the CMHA, it was made clear that clients struggle with unexpected costs which ODSP and Ontario Works don’t cover. Clients are often not able to purchase things like small appliances or cleaning supplies and there is a direct link between cleaning and mental health. You can read more about the connection in an article published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
“Typically, our clients cannot afford vacuum cleaners. Most are on disability pension plans and can barely make it to the end of the month without accessing the food banks.” As such, Nova Mutual provided the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk branch of CMHA with a donation of several vacuums for its clients.
Interested in learning more about the services that CMHA provides? Visit their website our connect with them on Facebook.
Written by Jessica Lymburner, Director of Strategic Partnerships
