Who Do You Think We Are? Foresters Launches Online Visual History

    LONDON, ENGLAND, August 07, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Foresters, the international financial services organisation, launches its Historical Mosaic today, showcasing events and company milestones over the last 140 years. The interactive mosaic enables users to view specific decades or a random selection of milestones.

This fascinating visual history of not only the organisation but historical events too includes:

- 1879: A portrait of Dr. Oronhyatekha, who was Canada's first Native doctor to practice western medicine, dressed in native head dress. He led Foresters for 25 years and studied at Oxford University;
- 1895: The Foresters Temple Building is erected, making it the tallest building in the British Empire;
- 1906, 1930s and 1940s: Foresters efforts to provide mutual aid during the San Francisco earthquake, the Great Depression, and World War II are shown;
- 1993: UK members send a caravan of food and emergency supplies to Kosovo during the Balkan Wars.

"The Historical Mosaic showcases our heritage through archival documents including handwritten and hand-illustrated proclamations, medals, certificates and other beautiful artefacts" says Steve Dilworth, MD Member Network UK, Foresters.

"And, our extensive collection of historical photographs and newspaper articles provides a virtual journey through time, capturing both important historical landmarks and the shifting needs and expectations of society."

Mr. Dilworth explains how the Mosaic came to be created: "At our Canadian HQ in Toronto, a construction crew unearthed a time capsule sealed into the foundations in 1966. The copper case contained newspapers, stamps and other memorabilia from then as well as some replicas of materials dating back to Foresters' beginnings in the 19th century. This exciting discovery prompted us to review our collection of historical documents and record it in an interactive digital format for everyone to enjoy.

"We are so proud to share Foresters history with our more than one million members in the UK, Canada and the US and history buffs all over the world."

To access the Mosaic, visit http://www.foresters.com/historical-mosaic

ABOUT FORESTERS:

At Foresters we believe in enriching the lives of our members, their families and the communities they live in. We're member-based, family-focused, and community spirited.

Our products benefit both your family and your community. We champion the well-being of families through quality financial products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities.

We share our financial strength with over one million members across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Throughout our 135-year history, our purpose has been to enrich the lives of members, their families and communities. The priorities remain today and will guide our future.

As an example, our work with Cash for Kids in their 2012 Mission Christmas Appeal helped over 250,000 children to have a better Christmas and granted GBP5.3m in cash, gifts and toys to local children.

Forester Life is responsible for funds under management of over GBP2.8bn* and is part of Foresters, the international financial services organisation.

Internationally, Foresters has over GBP11bn** funds under management and has been assigned an 'A' excellent rating by A.M. Best.***

Safeguarding our members' interests is at the heart of what we do. Being financially strong and responsive, with sound governance and continuing professional service have always helped us to protect our members' benefits.

*As at 31 May 2013
**As at 31 March 2013

***An 'A' excellent rating is assigned to companies that have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders and have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best Company. In assigning Foresters rating A.M. Best stated that Foresters outlook rating is 'stable', which means it is unlikely to change in the near future, assuming Foresters financial strength is maintained and operations grow. A.M. Best assigns rating from A++ to F, A++ being superior and A and A- being excellent ratings. This rating was assigned on 6 July 2012. Our International Head Office is located at 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9.

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