Meet Bibi and Carla: LCBO employees devoted to Giving Back In Our Community
When Bibi retired from her career in banking, she decided to take on a new challenge and pursue something she was passionate about. This led her to a position with the LCBO as a Customer Service Representative, a role she was drawn to because of the opportunity to meet new people every day and represent her company with pride.Carla has been a Customer Service Representative with the LCBO for about 14 years. For her, the best part of her job are the people she works with. They’re family there.
In addition to being customer service representatives, Bibi and Carla are devoted SickKids supporters through LCBO’s Giving Back In Our Community campaign, which is running at all LCBO stores until December 31.
Carla is a mother and loves kids. She also has her own SickKids story. When her son was three, he was taken to SickKids. She explained how “a fantastic surgeon put him together perfectly.” Ever since SickKids was there for her son, she has been committed to supporting SickKids any way she can.
These devoted women agree on what matters most for them; that the company they work for gives back to the community, and SickKids Foundation is one of their favourite charities to support.
"The fundraising we do with the LCBO can really make an impact."
Last year, Bibi achieved the milestone of top LCBO fundraiser for SickKids, something she is extremely proud of. This year, she plans to beat her own record. She says she enjoys raising funds for the SickKids campaign, as most people resonate with it.
“When you ask for donations for SickKids in particular, most people say yes. Thanking them and being genuine is key. All that positivity also engages the next consumer as they can see that interaction.”
Bibi’s achievements have led to other personal accomplishments. Because she did so well last year raising funds for the campaign, she is now able to coach new employees and support them in their fundraising efforts.
Carla’s LCBO branch has been one of the top fundraising stores for SickKids, and they plan to continue to go above and beyond to achieve that again this year.
“It’s an honour, it’s fun and it’s a challenge. We like to compete and we like to be on top here!” said Carla about their fundraising initiatives.
One of the things Carla enjoys most about the Giving Back In Our Community campaign is listening to people’s personal stories and their association with SickKids. She also likes the opportunity to share and put into action ideas for other initiatives around the store to help generate awareness for the campaign.
“We do everything. Posters, one on one conversations with customers and special surprises.” She then adds with a laugh, “I don’t want to share everything that we’re doing though as we want to keep some things a secret so we can remain a top fundraiser!”
Back in October, both Bibi and Carla had the opportunity to represent LCBO at the launch of the SickKids VS Limits campaign.
Bibi described the experience as “absolutely humbling. To see the kids in person, witness what SickKids can do and to learn about the future plans that will enhance the care that can be given to kids was truly amazing.”
Carla was speechless as she took it all in. “When I went to the launch, I didn’t expect the eye opening and inspirational experience I had. Everything from the launch location site, to seeing everyone involved in making an impact on SickKids, to being there with the kids was really nice. My favourite part of the experience was watching the SickKids VS Limits video amongst a crowd of SickKids supporters and learning what will be done with the donations.”
When it comes to explaining why people should support LCBO’s Giving Back In Our Community campaign, Bibi and Carla both agree that it is because we all benefit in the end.
“It could be anyone’s child in the future that needs SickKids help and support. The fundraising we do with the LCBO can really make an impact. Even if someone does not have children, they might have a family member or friends who do. The kids that they’re helping are the future,” said Carla.
“We are all in this together. Giving back is something we all should do in whatever capacity we can afford to. I’m thrilled with all the work that SickKids does, am honoured to represent LCBO’s initiatives and look forward to giving back for many more years,” said Bibi.
