'It's very important for senior executives to get involved'

Richard Nesbitt is definitely not one to shy away from new challenges. Having recently moved from TSX to head up CIBC World Markets earlier this year, he has also taken on another new role as United Way account executive, in charge of making calls to help corporations get their United Way campaigns rolling.

“It’s very important for senior executives to get involved,” says Richard, as he discusses voluntarism in the workplace. “They need to be the role models for other employees, to inspire others to give back … they are the major givers that can make the difference.” Richard is certainly leading by example, donating his time on the board of two other charities as well as his new position on the United Way team.

Although United Way is already well established in CIBC—with employee involvement at the Board level and more than 45 years of campaign involvement—Richard believes that supporting United Way is one of the most important charitable initiatives that the company is involved in. And also the most effective way for employees to give back to the broader community: “A low portion of donor dollars goes to administrative costs, the maximum amount of money goes to the cause,” an efficient operating model that Richard can well appreciate. “United Way funds get right to the people that need it the most,” says Richard, which he believes is integral to communities’ vitality and well-being. “Toronto is an important part of Canada’s financial growth … and for Toronto to grow, everyone should have the same opportunities to succeed.”

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Richard Nesbitt was the Spotlight Volunteer in our quarterly newsletter, Community Matters: Summer 2008.