RBC Wins At Home And Abroad

Helps more Canadians to Get Job Ready, wins international awards for business performance 

TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - This was an especially good month for young Canadians and two home-grown organizations that support them.

This month, the number of young and new Canadians who have participated in IDRF's Get Job Ready and Licenced to Learn (L2L) programs since their inception surpassed 35,000 people. And RBC, which is a major sponsor of Get Job Ready through its Future Launch program, earned four international awards, including Best North American Bank and Retail Banker of the Year.

"On behalf of IDRF, I want to congratulate everyone at RBC for winning these prestigious awards," said Zeib Jeeva, O.Ont, and Chair of IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation). "And I want to thank RBC's leadership, in particular Neil McLaughlin, for their support in helping so many young Canadians to Get Job Ready in partnership with IDRF."

Get Job Ready is a free community program from IDRF that is dedicated to helping young and new Canadians overcome the barriers they face in getting academic support and gaining access to the labour market. Since 2017, the four-day program has taught Canadians between the ages of 18-29 how to navigate the job market and acquire essential employment skills. Get Job Ready was originally delivered in the classroom, but more recently became available online. RBC Future Launch is a 10-year, $500-million initiative to help young people gain access and opportunity to the skills, job experience and career networks needed for the future world of work.

L2L empowers students to help one another socially and academically through free, personalized peer tutoring. L2L aims to increase students' academic performance while nurturing the development of leadership skills, empathy and mentorship. Tutors develop leadership skills and self-confidence and, in turn, their Peers receive academic support and mentorship from a positive youth role model. L2L serves all students with a focus on underserved groups and vulnerable communities in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

Yesterday at the 35^th annual Retail Banking International Conference and Awards in London, RBC was announced the winner of four prestigious awards for 2019. The awards are: North American Retail Bank of the Year; Latin America/Caribbean Bank of the Year; Best Loyalty Rewards Strategy of the Year; and Retail Banker of the Year for Neil McLaughlin, the bank's Group Head of Personal & Commercial Banking.

"IDRF is fortunate to have a supportive and high-performing organization like RBC as a major sponsor," said Mr. Jeeva. "Together, we will continue to help young Canadian newcomers to improve their academic performance and to Get Job Ready."

About IDRF:
IDRF is a Canadian registered charitable organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged people in Canada and around the world. Founded in 1984, IDRF has an enviable reputation as one of Canada's best-run charities and has been recognized by third-party organizations such as the Financial Post and MoneySense for its effectiveness, efficiency, and results.  IDRF has also been blessed with outstanding leadership and governance, and has board directors who have been publicly recognized with Order of Canada, Order of Ontario, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for volunteerism. Find out more about IDRF's programs for youth, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram  and LinkedIn.

SOURCE International Development and Relief Foundation

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