Philanthropy in Focus

For Ingrid, philanthropy is both personal and professional. As Crowe BGK’s COO and a long-time member of several non-profit boards, she sees giving back as an essential part of leadership. “I think the most important thing is to lead by example and to be authentic about it,” Ingrid says. “It’s about doing this because this is what you believe in and because making a difference matters.”

Her involvement with non-profits has evolved throughout her career, shaped by both passion and experience. She has served as a board member and co-chair of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada’s Light the Night Montreal, a board member of the National Arts Centre Foundation, and of La SAMS, which brings live music into hospitals and care facilities. “You have to find a cause that connects with you,” she explains. “When it resonates, it becomes meaningful work. It gives you purpose.”

Ingrid notes that philanthropy doesn’t have to wait until later in life. “Start young,” she says. “At the beginning of your career, you have more time. Try things out, find what speaks to you. It doesn’t have to be a year-long commitment... even a few hours can make a difference.”

She views philanthropy as a twofold opportunity; to contribute to society and to shape a culture of empathy within business. “People watch what leaders do,” she notes.

Philanthropy, she reflects, also shapes how she leads. “It keeps you human. It reminds you of the ‘why’ behind the work. When you see the results and the impact, it’s infectious. It fuels you to keep going.”

Her message for younger professionals is simple: “Start by having a positive mindset. Find something that has meaning to you… and don’t get discouraged when it gets challenging. You’ll learn what resonates with you, and those experiences will shape who you are, not just as a professional, but as a person.”

For Ellie, giving back began with a simple act, one that often goes unrecognized as philanthropy. She has been a regular blood donor since she turned 18, after attending a blood drive at Dawson College.

“As a student, it’s hard to find meaningful ways to give back,” she recalls. “Donating blood felt like something tangible, something I could do myself that would directly impact someone’s life.”

Now, at Crowe BGK, Ellie leads the firm’s annual blood drive in partnership with Héma-Québec, an initiative that has inspired dozens of first-time donors to participate. “We weren’t sure how people would respond,” she says, “but once we started talking about it, the excitement was contagious. Seeing colleagues step out of their comfort zone, donate for the first time, and ask when the next drive would be was incredibly rewarding.”

Ellie sees blood donation as a form of philanthropy that’s simple but profound. “Every donation can save up to three lives,” she explains. “It’s not often recognized as philanthropy, but it absolutely is. It’s one of the most direct and meaningful ways to help others.”

She encourages everyone to broaden how they define giving back. “Philanthropy is not limited to writing a cheque,” she says. “It can be volunteering, donating clothing, buying a Christmas gift for a senior with no family, or even just helping a neighbour. There are so many small, accessible, and meaningful ways to make a difference”.

For Ellie, that tangible impact is what keeps her motivated. 

Josh grew up around philanthropy. His mother served as president of the Just for Kids Foundation, and his father was treasurer for several community organizations. “By the age of six, I was already counting change from donation boxes,” he laughs. “It taught me early that giving back isn’t just about money, it’s about being part of something bigger.”

That early exposure shaped how Josh approaches community involvement today. When he learned that one of Crowe BGK’s partners and his son, who lives with Type 1 diabetes, were already active supporters of the T1D Breakthrough Ride, a cycling fundraiser for diabetes research,

Josh was inspired to get involved by encouraging colleagues to join a team and raise funds for the cause. “When it’s personal, it hits differently,” he says. “It wasn’t just another fundraiser; it was our community supporting one of our own.”

Josh believes that kind of connection is what drives engagement. “Everyone has something or someone they care about,” he explains. “Finding that connection, your ‘why’, is what makes you want to take action.”

He also sees workplace initiatives as a powerful way to make giving back easier and more inclusive.

His advice for those unsure where to begin? “Just try,” he says simply. “You don’t need a plan or a big budget. Take one small step. Once you experience the feeling of making an impact, you’ll want to do more.”

Though she doesn’t work at Crowe BGK, Karine has long collaborated with the firm, and her insights offer a powerful reminder of why philanthropy matters. With nearly 20 years of experience in the non-profit world, Karine has seen the transformative effect of generosity from every angle.

“Philanthropy brings people together,” she says. “Whether it’s patients connecting through shared experiences, volunteers working side by side, or organizations joining forces, these interactions create a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere.”

Karine’s career spans institutions such as the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, the National Arts Centre, and the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. She’s worked on campaigns that raise millions, but she’s equally inspired by smaller, everyday gestures. 

She encourages professionals to see volunteering as an extension of their careers. “Having volunteer experience on your résumé shows that you’re willing to take what you know and use it to help others. It’s not only good for your community, but also for your own growth.”

Karine also reminds us that small actions add up. “Every dollar and every hour count,” she says. “In Quebec alone, the non-profit sector contributes ten percent of our GDP and represents hundreds of millions of volunteer hours. That’s proof that even small, individual efforts can collectively change the world.”

Each of these stories reveals a different facet of giving: from leading with authenticity, to donating blood, to joining a team for a cause, to dedicating a career to strengthening a community. What connects them is a shared belief that philanthropy is not reserved for a select few. It is accessible, meaningful, and deeply human.

This National Philanthropy Day, we celebrate those who give their time, energy, and heart to make a difference, and we invite everyone to find their own way to give back. Karine captures it best when she says, “Philanthropy brings people together.” Because true philanthropy isn’t only measured in dollars, but in the lives we touch and the communities we help build together.