Canada celebrates National Volunteer Week from April 27th to May 3rd, and this year's theme is “Volunteers Make Waves” with the message being clear — that small acts of kindness can create far-reaching ripples, driving positive change in communities around the world.
At Scotiabank, that spirit of service is being fueled year-round through Spark, a digital platform that connects employees to volunteer opportunities and facilitates donations to causes close to their hearts.
Launched in June 2022, Spark empowers Scotiabankers across more than 2,000 branches and offices in over 30 countries to engage with more than 2.3 million charities globally. Whether it's through volunteering, donating or taking advantage of the Bank’s corporate donation matching, Spark enables employees to give back in meaningful and personal ways.
Here's a closer look at how the initiative has made an impact since its launch in June 2022:
And here’s what some Scotiabankers are saying about volunteering through Spark:
“I’ve been volunteering for a while through Spark, with my most recent being for the Children’s Aid Foundation. To see what they do for these kids is just mind-blowing. They gave them a Christmas celebration at the Fairmont Royal York that would surely be unforgettable. To see their faces light up was such a gift, and to have been a part of it was an honour. You think you know what these charities are doing but just seeing it in person and being a part of it is so rewarding. I’m already looking forward to my next opportunity.”
- Jon Shaw, Customer Experience Associate
“I was once a newcomer, arriving from Kenya to Canada and in my 25 years at Scotiabank, I often found myself in a counseling role. Because of this, it felt natural for me to volunteer for Windmill Microlending as a mentor to newcomers, as I understood them firsthand. When my mentees come back to me with a personal revelation about their future of work, that ‘a-ha’ moment brings me so much satisfaction, knowing I’ve helped make things a little clearer for them.”
- Hazel Hetimier, Senior Manager, Organization Effectiveness, Total Rewards
“I give because I am very passionate about being an active participant in my community. My parents and grandparents modeled this for me. I’ve lived a privileged life, as do my children, and I believe it is our responsibility to be a role model for those around us to ask questions, learn from others and give support to all that we can.”
- Brooke Robinson, Advice and Service Effectiveness Field Coach
“I am passionate about giving and helping others because of all the support my family received when we immigrated to Canada as refugees. With very little income, we relied heavily on social assistance and support from many charitable organizations. I promised myself that I would help and support charities and organizations that can make a difference. Spark helps me fulfil the promise I made to myself.”
- Vino Hentsmogan, Senior Manager, Retail Productivity & South Asian Network ERG
