Gerry Beltgens Special to the Chronicle
Ladysmith RBC manager Allison Brind is one of 47 people from around the world to be chosen for the RBC Global Citizens Award.
As part of that recognition she is off to Ghana in Africa to work on a community project.
Brind credits her staff for her nomination and winning this honour.
“They are all so willing to volunteer for community projects, it just makes me look good,”she said.
Megan Newton, a branch financial advisor see it a little differently.
“Allison is an inspiration for the whole branch. She would never ask anyone to do anything she wouldn’t do. She is the first one to volunteer for community events,” Newton wrote in the staff recommendation required for the nomination.
Jacquie Neligan, executive director of Ladysmith Family and Friends was equally effusive in her community recommendation.
“Allison has been such a support for LaFF,” Neligan said. “Being recognised and supported by RBC is validating for our organisation. Having Allison and her people support and participate in our programs is important to our volunteers, staff, parents and children. Our community needs authentic personal, social and emotional support as well as the financial donations. Allison inspires her employees to participate and be involved. They make a big difference to us”
Each year the Ladysmith RBC branch is out in the community donating money, participating and volunteering time. Kids Pirate Day, Corks & Forks, the Hill Dash, Running of the Balls, Grad Fashion Show, Food Bank, Santa’s Breakfast at LaFF, a float in Light Up, you name it and they are there. Each year the branch donates thousands of dollars to deserving organizations.
“The RBC Global Citizen Award program is a partnership between RBC and WE – the global organization founded by Craig Kielburger. The program recognizes the enthusiasm and eagerness of RBC employees who help communities prosper. The award also celebrates top-performing employees who have displayed an incredible commitment to giving their time and expertise to their communities by volunteering and leading charitable initiatives. These employees show what can be accomplished by their acts of giving and create positive social change through their actions.”
Brind has gone to Ghana to help build a school. The nine-day trip will allow her to contribute to a sustainable development project. She will work with and learn from local people and experience everyday life before returning next week.
She is excited and a little bit nervous but if her commitment to Ladysmith is any indication then she will make a difference to the people in Ghana and inspire the other people she will be working with.