National Capital Region's Top Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 34
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NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2026)
People at Universities Canada give of themselves
W
hen you
listen to Julie
Desjardins,
assistant
director,
Scholarship Partners Canada,
at Universities Canada, it’s
easy to catch her enthusiasm
for volunteering. As a lifelong
volunteer in her private life and
founder of the organization’s
volunteer committee in 2023,
Desjardins says volunteerism has
a real heartfelt impact.
“Volunteering brings people
together and contributes to
morale,” says Desjardins. “It
really is a feel-good exercise, but
it also builds pride amongst the
organization for what we give back
to the community.”
Volunteering brings
people together and
contributes to morale.
— Julie Desjardins
Assistant Director,
Scholarship Partners Canada
While Universities Canada had
some giving programs in place,
Desjardins wanted to provide a
dedicated outlet and structured
opportunities for employees to
contribute, something she felt
was missing in the organization.
To ensure projects align with staff
interests, the volunteer committee
surveys employees about what’s
important to them to support.
Employees are given up to one full
day of personal leave specifically
for volunteering.
Universities Canada employees at the organization’s annual staff retreat.
She says the response has been
outstanding, both to sit on the
employee-led committee and
for volunteer activities — such
as helping at the Ottawa Food
Bank’s farm to build hoop houses
in which to grow food. At times,
there have been more volunteers
than could be accommodated
on site.
“Committees are also a great
way for staff to develop skills and
show leadership in a way they
might not have in their usual
role,” says Desjardins. “As well,
there’s the networking aspect
with the opportunity to build new
relationships and collaborate with
others across the organization.”
One of the most memorable
volunteer experiences took place
at the Caldwell Family Centre in
Ottawa when Universities Canada
staff, including CEO Gabriel
Miller, showed up to help prepare
and serve food to visitors.
“It was interesting to see us all
levelled out, sharing the same
responsibility, delivering the
same services to people and
connecting,” Desjardins recalled.
“Everyone was light-hearted but
moved as well by the need of the
individuals.
“Those receiving the services
were so gracious and the
community organization so
thankful. It was really fulfilling to
actually be there on the ground
with the recipients.”
Besides the volunteer
committee, there are several
other important committees
at Universities Canada. Those
are divided into mandated
work-focused groups — such
as the health and safety group,
operations management, senior
leadership, retirement planning
and job evaluation — and then
there are the employee-led
initiatives, including social
activities, EDI (equity, diversity,
inclusion) and green.
Kim Glithero, vice-president,
people and culture, says staff
participation in the committees
is significant, with a third of staff
involved.
“People at Universities Canada
are quite giving, in and of
themselves,” says Glithero. “The
vastness of the committees we
have allow people to contribute
in a way that resonates with
them and is meaningful outside
