RBC Financial Group launches GenNext chapter
A group of young professionals at RBC Financial Group were inspired by the great work being done by United Way volunteers in their 20s and 30s all over the Toronto community, and seeing that there was significant opportunity to engage the large GenNext demographic at RBC, the group set out to create an RBC GenNext chapter. In less than a month, more than 700 people became part of this initiative, with a launch event in July 2010 at the Hard Rock Café at Dundas Square.
Senior executives at RBC, such as Helena Gottschling, SVP, Leadership and Organizational Development, and George Lewis, Group Head, RBC Wealth Management, have not only been supportive, but enthusiastic about this initiative. Both individuals helped kick-off the launch with some motivational words for the young RBC professionals.
The launch event was an instant success, hitting the attendance cap of 350 RSVPs in a very short timeframe. The speakers moved the audience with their captivating and inspiring words, as their speeches included messages of opportunity and hope. Joel Licuanan, a sales specialist with RBC Insurance, eloquently delivered an impactful story of his personal experience with United Way and urged RBC GenNexters to become involved with volunteering in order to effect change in their respective communities.
“The event was a far greater success than anyone could have anticipated, and the turnout speaks to the engagement and dedication of RBC’s employees,” said Adam Hagarty, co-chair of RBC’s GenNext cabinet. “Knowing that this is just a first step in our journey, we’re very motivated to continue doing the legwork to ensure that our employees are enabled to contribute meaningfully,” he continued, speaking of the cabinet’s plans for the future.
What the future holds for RBC GenNext
With the launch event being only the beginning, and all their goals for enrolment far surpassed, the group can only go higher in their pursuit of their doing good. When asked about the future of the group, Garima Aggarwal, co-chair of the cabinet, shared some key insights into some of the activities that the team has planned. “We want to share all of the volunteering opportunities possible with our membership and have already received tremendous response. We’re also looking to get our group involved in a number of other activities, such as the Enbridge CN Tower Stair Climb for United Way, and even stretch our mandate a little to include relevant networking events, entertainment and sporting opportunities.” Aggarwal continued on to mention that these additional activities will ensure that all employees in their 20s and 30s are continuously engaged with something that is of interest to them and keep them always looking for that next opportunity to contribute.
