Celebrating National Volunteer Week
During National Volunteer Week 2024, over 70 BCIers dedicated over 200 hours to volunteering in their communities. Initiatives included helping with upgrades at Victoria Women's Transition House, making and packing 108 lunches for the Victoria Cool Aid Society Downtown Community Centre, preparing Camp Shawnigan for Easter Seals B.C. & Yukon summer programs, and organizing food and hygiene items at The Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Making a Local Impact
BCI has partnered with the United Way of Southern Vancouver Island on annual fundraising initiatives since 2000, and employees have contributed more than $1.2 million to make Greater Victoria better for all.
Bringing the Classroom to the Boardroom
During Financial Literacy Month, BCI's Financial Literacy Committee welcomed Indigenous middle school students from the Saanich and Sooke districts to our head office in Victoria, British Columbia for our second annual Youth Financial Literacy Day.
Organized in collaboration with JA British Columbia (JABC), this innovative initiative includes a day of customized financial literacy programming designed to engage local youth through essential financial topics such as saving, spending, and budgeting. It builds on many years of our employees volunteering in the classroom and creates a unique educational experience for attendees.
BCI volunteers contributed their time and expertise to coordinate the day, facilitate exercises, and deliver engaging material in collaboration with JABC's Program Director for Indigenous Communities.
Fundraising for causes we care about
In 2023, BCI’s public markets team raised over $210,000 for Island Kids Cancer Association (IKCA) through its annual charity golf tournament. The team hosted over 100 golfers at Cordova Bay Golf Course in Victoria, B.C. IKCA helps families on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands navigate the life-changing diagnosis of childhood cancer, including providing access to resources like financial assistance and mental health support.
Supporting Indigenous Financial Literacy
BCI supports JABC’s work to deliver culturally appropriate, accessible programs intended for Indigenous youth across B.C. Through a sponsorship, we are helping to increase content focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills for Indigenous learners and ensure programs are delivered by Indigenous volunteers.
Working with Youth on Vancouver Island
Our internal financial literacy committee organized BCI volunteers to deliver financial literacy education to almost 300 students at Spencer Middle School in Langford, B.C. Members of our public markets department developed and delivered a special investing module in collaboration with JABC.
Recognizing the Generosity of Our Employees
In 2023, we received the Leadership Giving Award from the United Way of Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI). This award recognizes the generosity of BCIers who have given back to this important organization for more than two decades. Since 2000, BCI employees have organized an annual giving campaign that has increased awareness and raised more than $1.2 million for the UWSVI.
Financial Literacy Committee
Our Financial Literacy Committee, founded in 2019 by women from our public markets department, focuses on breaking down barriers to finance careers through youth education. As a result, BCI is the largest corporate volunteer source for JA British Columbia (JABC), a non-profit providing free, hands-on education in work readiness, financial health, and entrepreneurship. Since 2014, more than 90+ BCI employees from across BCI have delivered 160+ program sessions with JABC, empowering an estimated 4,500 students.
BCI is a key sponsor of JABC’s More Than Money program, aimed at teaching money management, personal banking, income earning, business planning, and credit responsibility to students in grades 4 and 5.
United Way Campaign Committee
Since 2000, BCI employees have organized an annual giving campaign to increase awareness of the needs in our community and raise funds for the United Way of Southern Vancouver Island. Together, BCI employees have contributed more than $1.2 million providing support to those facing mental health challenges and addictions, reducing food insecurity for families, connecting isolated seniors to meals and companionship and to create inclusive and equitable communities where our employees call home.
BCI was recognized with the Naden Band Spirit of Excellence Award for our employees’ longstanding commitment.
