For 135 years, Foresters™ has been guided by a very powerful principle: the growth and prosperity of its members and their families are linked to the communities in which they live.
Foresters is a
fraternal benefit society - a member-based insurance organization - with a rich history of investing in the financial security of its members and sharing with the communities in which they live.
From the very beginning, Foresters has focused its energies on assisting its members and their families, encouraging fellowship and cooperation among all members, and sharing its financial strength and prosperity with communities in need. These are the principles of Foresters Common Bond, or purpose.
The start of The Independent Order of Foresters in Canada can be attributed to a prominent doctor and remarkable community leader, Dr. Oronhyatekha. A Mohawk, born in 1841 at Six Nations, near what is now Brantford, Ontario, Oronhyatekha ("Burning Sky") was baptized Peter Martin.
Dr. Oronhyatekha joined Foresters as a member in 1878 and quickly progressed through its leadership ranks. He held the office of Supreme Chief Ranger (now called International Fraternal President) from 1881 until his death in 1907. By the early 1890s, he had successfully transformed Foresters into North America's leading fraternal benefit society.
Dr. Oronhyatekha helped transform the insurance industry by extending insurance benefits to the average working family. In addition to admitting women as full members, he provided orphan benefits to the children of deceased Foresters members - benefits that are still available today as part of Foresters membership.
The Foresters difference
With a financial product from Foresters, you become a member. Foresters members become part of a Foresters branch closest to where they live. Eligible members are encouraged to participate in the organization's governance matters, vote in the election of Branch Officers and participate in decisions that impact their branch.
Members may also gain access to complimentary member benefits and other opportunities not usually available from traditional insurance providers, such as critical illness and terminal illness benefits, scholarships and young family member benefits.
Another important benefit of Foresters membership is the opportunity for personal development, social interaction and voluntary service to others through Foresters-sponsored events and fun family activities.
Foresters in the community
From our beginnings, Foresters has focused on helping communities in need. Today, Foresters invests millions in supporting various community causes in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. Through direct investment in national and local community partnerships, branch funding and educational scholarships, we make a difference. And, Foresters involvement goes beyond corporate donations - we get involved! Foresters provides opportunities for branches and members to participate in local community initiatives through our volunteer network. Members volunteer their time, expertise and passion in numerous charitable projects and events each year.
With a solid foundation of 135 years on which to build, Foresters will continue to grow in the future.