Twice the Impact

The old saying that lightning never strikes twice doesn’t hold true for Barak Queija, BSc’99.

Aside from the U.S. president who (almost) shares his given name, Queija points out that Barak in Hebrew means “lightning.” But the McGill graduate has been striking twice – giving annually to his alma mater and then doubling his gift through his employer’s matching gift program – since 2001.

A financial planner with Investors Group, Queija describes the company as “one of the most philanthropic in Canada.” He also works with his clients to consider the advantages of setting up their own charitable foundation. “I guess I’ve always thought that giving back was something everyone did, like maxing out their RRSP contributions,” he quips.

Queija’s loyalty to McGill began as a youngster in Halifax. “McGill was always where I wanted to be.” He majored in computer science and minored in management, serving as president of the Computer Science Undergraduate Society. On graduation, he headed to Toronto to start his career at Andersen Consulting (now known as Accenture).

Why is he a devoted matching giver? “It’s a no-brainer,” replies Queija. “Why not double my impact?”

Match your giving! Many employers have matching gift programs which double – or even triple – the amount of your charitable donation. Search for companies which match donations for employees, employees’ spouses, and retirees here.

Photo: Courtesy of the McGill Faculty of Science