August 12, 2024
At BCI, we help to create strong, healthy communities for all through initiatives like fundraising and volunteering, and we are proud of the dedication of our employees to making positive impact.
The United Way of Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI) recently recognized our efforts with the Spirit Award, a testament to our commitment to giving back. The award recognizes an organization for achieving exceptional results in employee fundraising and demonstrating community leadership in multiple ways.
Last year, BCI employees raised more than $60,000 for United Way chapters across Canada. Our selection for this award was based on our employees’ coordination of and engagement in creative and meaningful fundraising activities during our annual United Way campaigns, consistent growth in our current and past campaign results, and our long-term support for the UWSVI and our local communities.
“BCI consistently demonstrates that giving back to the community is deep-rooted in their culture,” said Erika Stenson, Executive Director of USWVI. “We are delighted to provide this well-deserved recognition for always going above and beyond, and truly making the places we live and work better for all.”
Throughout the most recent campaign, BCI’s grassroots campaign committee organized diverse opportunities for employees to get involved and make a difference. This included unique fundraising initiatives, a donation drive for Cool Aid Society, volunteer days at Soap For Hope Canada, and a speaker panel featuring representatives from a range of local organizations who shared personal stories and discussed the needs, challenges, and opportunities in our communities.
“After more than two decades, BCI’s employee-led campaign committee continues to find new and innovative ways to inspire giving back. This year’s speaker panel, featuring local non-profit partners, was uniquely impactful and showcased the extensive community ecosystem we support through the UWSVI,” said Shauna Lukaitis, BCI’s Chief Operating Officer and long-standing executive champion for its campaign committee. “I am proud of our collective impact and grateful for our passionate colleagues leading these initiatives, which not only benefit our communities but foster a strong culture of caring.”
Since 2000, BCI employees have organized an annual giving campaign that has raised awareness and contributed more than $1.2 million to UWSVI. These funds are directed to priority areas, such as support for isolated seniors, family resources, mental health and addiction services, and fostering diverse and equitable communities.
Beyond fundraising, BCI offers every employee 14 hours of paid volunteer time each year to make a difference where we live and work. In 2023, BCIers volunteered more than 800 hours at over 30 organizations.
Learn more about the UWSVI Spirit Awards and how we give back BCI.ca/community
