Volunteer Leadership Profile — Alex Cristall and Brent Pullan

 

Co-Chairs of Men’s Philanthropy Division, Federation Annual Campaign

 

Together, businessmen Alex Cristall and Brent Pullan have racked up almost 40 years of volunteer experience in the Jewish community, which they put to great use as co-chairs for the Federation Annual Campaign’s Men’s Philanthropy division. Brent canvassed for Annual Campaign for over 20 years, including  several stints as a team captain. Alex has served on Jewish Federation’s Board and Allocations Committee, as well as in the wider Jewish community as past president of the Jewish Community Centre and as a board member for Maccabi Canada.

 

The Brotherhood of Annual Campaign
The Men’s Philanthropy co-chairs are members of the Federation Annual Campaign’s Working Cabinet, which provides overall leadership to the campaign. The Men’s Philanthropy portfolio focuses on fundraising activities such as face-to-face canvassing and donor cultivation.

 

Brent and Alex lead the Men’s Philanthropy division with the support of a team of volunteer divisional captains and a designated campaign staff liaison. They participate in setting divisional goals for fundraising, increasing the donor base, and developing leaders and successors. They recruit leaders into various divisional roles, ensure the campaign strategies are being implemented and serve as leaders and ambassadors for the campaign.
 

For Alex and Brent, being the Men’s Philanthropy co-chairs is about being a part of the people and processes that help move our community forward. “Our job is really a helping role — motivating and helping any way we can to meet our fundraising goal for the community,” says Alex.

 

“There are a lot of people, both volunteers and staff, who are really engaged and committed to what we’re trying to achieve,” says Brent. “It’s really exciting to be a part of that.”

 

A Campaign to Believe In
Both Alex and Brent volunteer for Jewish Federation because they have been able to see the impact of gifts made to Jewish Federation, and experience the satisfaction that giving back to the community offers. “I believe in what Federation does. As a donor, it is gratifying to know the large volunteer contingent we manage helps keep administrative costs low, and maximizes the funds applied to meeting community needs,” explains Brent. “I also like the idea of giving to one organization and having it distributed to many — we have a larger impact that way.”

 

“I really enjoy volunteering; I love doing something for someone more than just myself,” Alex adds. “I’ve met so many people, gained mentors and seen a different way of thinking about things. So as much as I’ve given, I’ve grown a lot personally as well.”