October 2, 2024
Meet Gina Dennison, Associate, Partnership Portfolio – Public Markets, and co-chair of BCI’s employee-led United Way Committee.
Gina’s community mindset stems from her own small-town upbringing and desire to set a strong example for the next generation. Under her leadership, BCI employees raised over $60,000 for the United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI) last year alone, adding to our $1.2 million cumulative donations since 2000.
Beyond BCI, Gina volunteers with many local charities, coaches youth sports, and sits on the board of her kids’ non-profit childcare organization. She is determined to raise awareness of the many ways that people can make a difference and is a firm believer that no community contribution is too small.
Q: Why did you get involved with the United Way?
A: Growing up with two hard-working, self-employed parents, I was taught to give back, big or small, with either time or money. Whether it was volunteering on an advisory board, maintaining the local sports fields, coaching, or giving anonymously to those in need – my parents always found ways to contribute. I want to be a good role model for my young children, as my parents were for me, and take every opportunity to show that giving comes in many forms.
When I returned from parental leave in 2019, I wanted to get back to volunteering, but with a young family, my free time was limited. BCI’s employee-led United Way Committee presented a unique opportunity to get involved at work, and I was immediately drawn to the UWSVI because of its incredible impact and support for diverse agencies and programs in Victoria. The organization takes a holistic view of healthy communities, which means donations are distributed to the greatest need. Joining the Committee not only provided a meaningful way to give back to my community, it also brought me closer to a fantastic group of colleagues from across BCI.
Q: How are you sparking change in our community?
A: In my role as co-chair for the United Way Committee, I work to inspire BCIers to get involved and increase our positive impact in the community. BCI employees have supported the UWSVI since 2000, collectively donating over $1.2 million, and I want to continue this momentum.
The annual United Way campaign at BCI has evolved since 2020, after facing the unique changes to hybrid work and the addition of global offices. In response to these changes, the committee organized a first-ever awareness event with four local non-profits, ran a major collection drive for local shelters, and organized volunteer events with United Way-supported organizations. We’re now looking at even more ways to make giving back more accessible and reinforce its benefits where we live and work.
Beyond BCI, I am always looking to lend my time as my parents did. For example, I am a volunteer board member at my kids’ non-profit childcare organization where I use my business background and experience to advise on operations and oversight to ensure quality childcare for the many families who depend on it.
Q: What advice do you have for those looking to get involved in their communities?
A: I encourage people to get curious about both how they want to give back and the need in their community. You may be surprised about how often your unique skills are exactly what an organization is looking for. From the United Way to coaching Little League, giving is meaningful no matter what form it takes. Without volunteers, many of the community services that my family and others rely on simply wouldn’t be there.
Juggling work, family, and community commitments is a balancing act, so it’s important to determine what you can do and start small. Grassroots initiatives and employee-led committees at BCI can be a great way to start your volunteer journey and connect with like-minded people.
BCI offers every employee 14 hours of paid volunteer time each year to make a difference where we live and work. We appreciate our many team members who are champions in our communities. They are part of how we foster a culture of caring and make a positive impact for all.
Learn more about how we give back at BCI.ca/community