During the last two years, the world has changed significantly. Many people are finding it more difficult to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, and afford the necessities.

Lack of affordable housing, supply chain issues, and the rising cost of food and gas prices, mean more people are turning to food banks than ever before. Locally, we have seen a significant increase in the number of new households served – 80% over three months – which we haven’t seen since the onset of the pandemic.

It was during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic that Lance Bennett, a local Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc., felt the pull to do more. Already a member of EAT365, The Food Bank’s monthly donor community, he decided to become a Community Leader and encourage others to help neighbours in need with a year-end matching donor campaign.

“For me, I was seeing the direct impact and putting a face to the need,” said Lance Bennett, Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. “I knew people needed help and I decided to increase my investment in and support of The Food Bank to make a tangible difference and impact within the community.”

As we move towards re-opening and finding our new normal, he recognizes that many families, people, and businesses will continue to face unprecedented challenges. Starting April 12, 2022, Bennett Wealth Management will generously be matching gifts up to $10,000.

Click here if you would like to donate.  

In this community profile, we chatted with Lance Bennett, Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc., about his second matching donor campaign, what inspires him to give back, and why he supports The Food Bank.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank): Tell me about Bennett Wealth Management?

Lance Bennett: I have been an advisor for over 20 years and help people manage their wealth, plan for retirement, and effectively pass their money on to the next generation.

The Food Bank: Why is it important, as business, to give back to the community?

Lance Bennett: I see the need in our community, and I help because I can, and it is the right thing to do. Gratitude and giving back are important. If you have the capacity to give back but don’t, then I don’t believe you are being all you can be. There is more to life than your own whims.  Wealth isn’t what you make, it is what you make of it.

The Food Bank: What does it mean to your business to be able to give back so generously to the charitable and non-profit organizations in Waterloo Region?

Lance Bennett: In addition to helping make a difference, I want to change people’s perceptions around investment firms and financial advisors. I want to help people feel confident and better about their financial environment, so they might be more comfortable and likely to support the community.

The Food Bank: This is your second year participating as a matching donor for The Food Bank? Why did you go that route and why The Food Bank?

Lance Bennett: I received really positive feedback from clients after the first matching gift campaign, that my action had inspired them. I found it motivated people to give more but also had them thinking about other ways they could give and have an impact. Prior to being a donor, I wasn’t aware of how complex and large of an operation The Food Bank is. Not only do you support Waterloo Region but also work closely with food banks across Ontario, which means I’m helping locally but also on a larger scale and having a greater impact.

If you are interested in donating to the matching gift campaign, click here.

If you would like to learn more about EAT 365, click here.