For the fifth year, Interac hosted its annual National Volunteer Week and once again, employees across the organization showed up in meaningful ways to support the communities where they live and work. With 148 employees contributing 363 volunteer hours across seven community partners, the week reflected the power of collective action. Sudha Dwivedi, Group Head, People & Culture, championed the week, sharing her own stories of being a long-time volunteer. From hands-on volunteer activities to in-office food donations and story sharing, employees demonstrated how collective action can create a real impact on advancing causes that matter.
Here’s a look back at what took place during National Volunteer Week and how this momentum continues well beyond a single week on the calendar.
Stepping Beyond Desks and Into the Community
National Volunteer Week provides employees an opportunity to pause their day-to-day work and engage directly with the community. It’s a time to celebrate important causes and the tangible difference volunteering can make.
During the week, Interac employees rolled up their sleeves across the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa, participating in a variety of volunteer initiatives. These included city and shoreline clean-ups with Waterfront BIA and the City of Ottawa, speed mentoring sessions with ACCES Employment, and hands-on support for United Way agencies such as The Neighbourhood Organization and the Brampton Food Hub.
While National Volunteer Week activities took place throughout the week, employee engagement didn’t stop there. Following National Volunteer Week, Employees laced up for Walk so Kids Can Talk with Jeremy Wilmot, President and CEO of Interac and Kids Help Phone Board Member. Employees walked to raise money for a national fundraiser supporting free, confidential mental health support for young people.
On May 31 Interac employees will participate in the Bike for Brain Health alongside D’Arcy McDonald, Group Head, Product at Interac in support of vital research on aging and brain health.
Giving Back, From the Office
In addition to volunteering their time, employees supported food security efforts through an on-site food drive at Interac offices. Collection bins on each floor gathered non-perishable food items donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank, helping provide essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity in the community. Employees in Ottawa teamed up to clean up their tech closet and were able to gather 15 laptops which will be donated to the Immigration Women Services of Ottawa (IWSO).
Volunteering Beyond the Week
At Interac, giving back extends well beyond National Volunteer Week. As part of their total rewards package, employees receive two paid volunteer days each year, dedicated time they’re encouraged to use to support causes and organizations that matter to them. This flexibility empowers employees to seek out meaningful ways to give back to their communities throughout the year, not just during designated moments.
Many employees make this a regular practice, supporting causes they’re passionate about and strengthening their connection to the community.
To better understand what motivates this ongoing commitment, a few employees who volunteer frequently shared what giving back means to them.
“I volunteer because it brings me a genuine sense of joy while also offering a fresh perspective beyond my everyday life. What resonates most with me is the overall experience, particularly the gratitude of the people you’re helping. It often feels like you’re offering something small, yet the appreciation for your time and effort is overwhelming. It is so heartwarming.”
— Tara Bailey, Leader, Client Service Desk
Volunteering has also become a way to build empathy, connection and shared experiences, sometimes involving the whole family.
“Volunteering has given me the opportunity to meet people from all parts of the world, it has transformed me by cultivating deep empathy, humility, and a renewed sense of purpose. When my kids were younger, I used to combine family time with volunteering by choosing family-friendly projects, such as, community clean-ups, or gift-wrapping or soup kitchen.”
— Larissa Braganza, Senior Executive Assistant to Group Head, Client
For others, volunteering aligns naturally with long-held values around collaboration and community leadership.
“I have always seen the world as a collaborative effort. My volunteer work as a Scout Leader has had an amazing positive impact on my life. Volunteers make the world go around! Find something you are passionate about and see if there is a way to volunteer.”
— Alan McKay, IT Operations, Senior Specialist
And for many, volunteering offers a valuable reset, bringing perspective, connection and purpose outside of everyday routines.
“I volunteer because it always gives me a fresh perspective on things and helps me see the bigger picture of what truly matters in life. We all get so busy with everyday life and volunteering helps me to get out there, meet other people and give back to the community, so it feels very rewarding.”
— Aishwarya Abhiram, Software Developer
Keeping the Momentum Going
National Volunteer Week may be one week each year, but the spirit behind it is ongoing. Through continued partnerships, employee-led initiatives and opportunities to give back year-round, Interac remains committed to supporting strong, thriving communities.
To learn more about Interac shows up in the community, visit our Community Impact page.
