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I give because I can.

Brent Bazinet has always made a point of giving back to his community. He grew up in an environment where giving was considered part of being a member of the community, so it was only natural that he would follow the same philanthropic path. “My parents always gave,” says Bazinet. “I didn’t know anything different.”
At the age of six, Bazinet began donating his time and money to charitable causes. Later, as a graduate and part-time teller for RBC – paying high rent while living in downtown Vancouver and paying off his student loan – he started supporting United Way. Despite his financial limitations, he knew he needed to start giving right away. “There is no right time to start giving,” he says. “I knew I had to start somewhere, and this was my chance.”
Today, as a Senior Account Manager with RBC’s Commercial Banking team and imminent father-to-be, Brent is still giving strong. When asked why he gives to United Way, he said, “because United Way knows what issues need to be addressed and, as a community facilitator, they have the reach to bring together leaders from across all sectors – service providers, corporations, all levels of government – to make an impact in our community.”
By way of example, Brent recalls a time when United Way and its stakeholders came together to discuss the huge spike in domestic violence taking place in the wake of the economic downturn – a common occurrence in stressful economic times. “It was amazing to see everyone come together to find a solution,” adds Brent. “When you see that work in action— what United Way provides to agencies across the city – to the homeless, the women’s shelter, and coaching and mentoring at-risk youth, it just brings everything to light.”

For Brent giving is more than just donating his time and money. He wanted to understand the issues in our city and see what was really being done to help.

“I wanted to be engaged – I wanted to know, ‘What was happening?’ ‘Why it was happening?’ and ‘What was being done?’ he says. “I discovered that if you ask questions, people take notice and they start to do something about it.”
Giving back to his community has allowed Bazinet to support United Way’s work to create opportunities for a better life for everyone. “The amazing part about giving is that it not only changes your life, it has the power to change others’ as well,” shares Brent. “I give because I can, because I care, and most of all, because if I don’t, then who will?”

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