Spotlight on a Loaned Representative - Averyl Bancroft

This was orignally posted on December 5. 2012 as part of the United Way of the Lower Mainland 'Spotlight' series, which showcases community heroes, volunteers and supporters making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and seniors.

Averyl Bancroft is a Loaned Representative for this year's campaign as well as one of the United Way's Care-y mascots! She shares her experience about the Loaned Rep program taking her out of her comfort zone.

What is the name of the organization that has sponsored you and their involvement with United Way?
I was sponsored as a co-op student by Simon Fraser University. They run an internal campaign and also sponsor a representative as part of their total gift to United Way.

Why did you decide to participate in United Way’s Loaned Rep program?
I knew the minute I saw the posting through the co-op program that United Way was where I wanted to spend my first work term. Having lost a friend in the last year to suicide, I wanted to take my skills and enthusiasm to an organization that really makes a difference. United Way’s focus on the prevention of social crises was something I really identified with, and I wanted to be a part of communicating that message.

What is a typical day like?
There is no such thing as a typical day when you are a Loaned Rep. That is what makes the job so fun, so demanding but also so rewarding. The relationships we build with each of our accounts are so unique. It makes fundraising a personal experience and is such an incredible way to come together as a community.

What is the number one highlight you’ve had during this year’s United Way campaign?
Our impact speaker Dorothy and I did a presentation at the Delta School Districts’ principal meeting at the beginning of November. I spoke for about ten minutes about our priority areas and how United Way leverages our donors’ dollars, and then Dorothy told her story. I joined Dorothy at the front of the room to thank everyone for joining us, and they began to clap, and they just kept clapping. It was an incredible moment of connection with our audience and knowing that we really succeeded in sharing with them the impact the United Way has on our community.

Is the Loaned Rep program what you expected?
I knew this experience would take me out of my comfort zone and push me to give my best, and yes…it certainly did exactly that. It was more challenging but also a lot more fun than I expected it to be.

Would you recommend the Loaned Rep program to a friend or colleague? If yes, why?
If you want to challenge yourself, build relationships, inspire, and be inspired, then absolutely the Loaned Rep program is an incredible opportunity. The end goal of all your hard work is so fulfilling because you know that all the campaign dollars you work so hard to help bring in will have such an impact on your community.

In one word, how would you describe your experience as a Loaned Rep?
Invaluable

Every year, United Way recruits 40 people to help support our fundraising campaigns at workplaces across the Lower Mainland. Loaned Representatives are an extension of our fundraising team and help manage our 650 company accounts. Learn more about the Loaned Rep program and how to apply.