A support group for widows is backing a life insurance awareness initiative.

The Bermuda Chapter of Widows Wear Stilettos is co-hosting a series of lunch and learn events on the topic this month, along with Colonial Group International and law firm MJM.

Michelle Furqan, who founded Widows Wear Stilettos on the Island earlier this year, said: “This is such an important issue. It is very important to secure your family’s future, especially if you have children.

“It is essential to make sure their future is secure, that the children continue to have a roof over their heads and that big expenses like education can be covered. And, more importantly, if you have life insurance, do not neglect the payments.”

Widows Wear Stilettos Bermuda was launched with the aim of providing educational events and giving encouragement to widows from all social backgrounds, ages and races. It is open to anyone who has lost their significant partner.

In the US, September has been declared Life Insurance Awareness Month and Jonathan Robinson, sales manager with Colonial Life Assurance, said he would like to see the same happen here.

“It is a horrible experience to try and explain to a bereaved partner that there is no life insurance or that the policy has lapsed because payments are not up to date,” he said.

“The law mandates that we have to insure our cars or bikes. But we make life insurance a choice for individuals who will often relegate it to the end of their list of things to do. Then one day, it is too late.”

This month’s events are at the Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Hamilton. On September 11, the session will focus on ‘Using Life Insurance to Aid in Business Continuity’; on September 18, the subject will be ‘Managing Risk with our Income Using Life Insurance’; and, on September 25, it will be ‘Estate Planning Using Life Insurance’.

The one-hour sessions start at 12.30pm. To register e-mail Mia.Gibbons@Colonial.bm or call 278 2884.