Brad Burnett, Thanks for Doing Some Good!
What inspires you to volunteer?
For me, I have to experience something to be convinced. Initially, I volunteered because my colleagues at Prospera Credit Union volunteered and, in a way, I had to be peer-pressured, haha, which I don’t think is a bad thing. I’m grateful they did because otherwise I would not have experienced the connections made, communities built and friendships formed and strengthened through volunteering. It feels great. I volunteer now to contribute to something bigger than myself, doing good in the world. It’s my little part to combat disengagement, create friendships, and improve the quality of life of both the charity’s recipients and my fellow volunteers. A dirty little secret is that the volunteers (like me) may get more out of the involvement than the recipients!
Which cause(s) are you most passionate about and why?
I’ve supported BC Children’s Hospital via the Bats for a Cause charity slo-pitch tournament since its inception. It’s definitely the cause I support the most. My sister spent her life at the hospital. I’m told that had she been born today, due to advances in technology and medicine, her condition would be treatable, so it makes me very proud to support and continue that advancement.
What impact have you seen the organization(s) you work with, and their volunteers, make in the community?
The Bats for a Cause tournament was founded, and heavily supported by, my colleagues. Each year, my colleagues and I have a tremendous amount of fun hosting mini-fundraisers to raise money and bring to the Bats for a Cause tournament. We challenge each other to collect more dollars each year and put on more events. It has served to bring us together, connected colleagues who otherwise would not have met, and created more community-minded people. That’s the biggest impact I’ve seen; it has raised my colleagues’ level of consciousness and created leaders out of us, which will have tonnes of long-term benefits in many areas of our communities. The tournament has also raised over $375,000 for BC Children’s Hospital.
What support is needed by the organization(s) and how can people learn more or get involved?
The Bats for a Cause tournament is always looking for more slo-pitch teams to play and raise money for BC Children’s Hospital. It’s an incredibly fun weekend in Kelowna. This year, it is held on July 29-30. Angela Burnell is the tournament’s founder. She’d be the best person to contact to learn more. She can be reached at aburnell@prospera.ca.
Is there a person, organization or caring company (e.g. employer) you would like to recognize that has helped support you to make a difference?
Yes. Angela Burnell. She has supported, encouraged, and challenged me from the beginning. She really is inspiring. I would not have been as involved in volunteering and fundraising if it were not for her.