April 15, 2024 – My life has been unbelievably enriched by being an Advocis volunteer. FORUM magazine called me a “career volunteer”.

Many of you are also “career volunteers” in and around your communities, places of worship, schools, and sports teams. I commend you for that. You know you are making a difference.

Volunteers sincerely believe that we are obligated to leave the world a better place than what we found. Each volunteer action we take is
part of our legacy.

Additionally, you volunteer to improve yourself by increasing your knowledge through CLU and PFA courses so that you can better serve your clients.

When I spoke of my volunteer work to a friend one time, he said “Why would you volunteer?” I was so astounded by that attitude that I could not respond. We all know that volunteering is its own reward. We don’t volunteer for rewards, but we get rewarded in ways that cannot be measured.

Advocis would not be the organization it is and strives to be without volunteers. You know who you are. You start out as a committee member, then chair a committee. Then an executive role in your Chapter. You enjoy the work, the sharing of experiences and the camaraderie. The rest of Advocis beckons – the Institute, Advocis’ Chapter Leadership Council, the recently formed DIBE Committee, Advocacy and Regulatory work, the Technology and Innovation Committee (TIC), GAMA Global Canada. There’s something for everyone. 

I personally thank you for all that you do for Advocis and your other endeavours. Canada thanks you.

It has been my privilege to serve as your Chair of the Board for 2023-2024.

Best Regards,

Eric Lidemark, CLU, CFP, CHS, Financial Advisor / Chair of the Board, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada