BLG launched a community contribution policy in 2023 to encourage members of the business services team to take a paid day off to support a Canadian charity or not-for-profit close to their hearts. One year after the policy was put in place, we caught up with five team members to hear about the organizations they supported and their motivation for volunteerism. Here’s what they told us.
Jennifer Smith, director of BLG Beyond Consulting in our Toronto office, volunteered with Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada):
“I am a financial literacy leader. We visit schools, libraries and community groups to deliver programming to build literacy, and thus empower members of the community. In March, I visited a Grade 3 class at a local public school and delivered modules on the cost of pet ownership and the concept of bartering. I volunteered because it’s a concrete way that I can give back and I enjoy connecting with people.”
Edna Acosta, a practice assistant in Vancouver, volunteered at Tecumseh Annex Elementary School:
“I participated in a writing exercise with the children at Tecumseh Annex and had show-and-tell with their teacher. I volunteered at this location because I wanted to give back to the community that I grew up in and inform the children of different jobs in the legal profession, such as my role as a practice assistant.”
Johanne Sabourin, a practice assistant in Montréal, volunteered with BLGers Ana Caravantes and Kim Eagle to support the Montréal Children’s Hospital Foundation through Pedal for Kids:
“It is a cause I am passionate about that has been close to my heart for 20 years now. I come back to this initiative year after year because I am energized by being there and learning how many children and families we are helping. The event is just fun and tremendous team building!”
Lauren Morrissey, specialist, Release Management in Calgary, volunteered at the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre's Over the Moon Charity Golf Classic:
“I got to hear the stories of the people who Luna helps and the amazing work they do at their centre of excellence. There are so many ways one can donate time to organizations across the country, and many compelling reasons to do so, including gaining a sense of purpose, community impact, networking and, in some cases, even health benefits.
Antoinette Bugyei-Twum, an associate and technical advisor in Ottawa, volunteered at The Ottawa Mission as part of the BLG Ottawa Gives Back initiative:
“I think offering a community contribution policy signals to all BLGers the firm's continued commitment to social responsibility. This policy encourages us to step away from our normal day-to-day activities, share our time, skills and talents with our communities, and return to work renewed.”
It’s clear from these experiences that volunteering comes with many benefits. As Johanne said, “There is a level of pride and satisfaction that comes with giving back that cannot be measured. It is funny how sometimes you think you are just helping someone else and, in the end, you are lifted as well.” We hope their experiences inspire you to give back in your own way.