Meet Karim Visram, a senior portfolio manager with RBC Dominion Securities in Toronto. Growing up in Tanzania, Africa, he would donate $2 for every $10 he made. In 2024, Karim donated nearly C$80,000 to charities through the RBC Celebration of Impact. His efforts earned him tickets to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Toronto. True to form, he used this opportunity to provide a multi-generational family with an unforgettable experience. This is Karim’s story.
I was born in Tanzania, Africa. I grew up in a family that always believed if you’re fortunate enough, you should share. When I made $10, I would give $2. Over the years, the giving amounts changed, but my commitment to giving back to my community has never wavered.
"Back in 2020, when I had to cancel my usual holiday client event due to COVID-19, I decided to redirect those funds to charity instead."
Throughout my career, supporting charities has always been a priority. I help children in Tanzania through Friends of Amani, a charity where I serve on the board. It provides shelter, education and food to kids living on the street. In Canada, I also sit on a small committee at St. Andrew’s Church, which runs the STARS program that fundraises to sponsor refugees. Over the past three years, we’ve helped bring three families to Canada. A couple of times a year, I also take my family and team to a local church to support their lunch program, offering hot meals to those in need.
I hope these efforts remind others of how fortunate we are and the difference we can make together.
"I draw inspiration from my clients."
Recently, I’ve drawn inspiration from my clients. Back in 2020, when I had to cancel my usual holiday client event due to COVID-19, I decided to redirect those funds to charity instead. I asked my clients to share organizations that mattered to them, and I made donations on their behalf. This tradition has continued for the past five years – because giving back always feels like the most important thing we could do over the holiday season.
In 2024, I was able to amplify my giving activities when RBC Wealth Management launched the online charity auction for Taylor Swift tickets as part of the RBC Celebration of Impact. RBC often receives a selection of tickets to major events for advisors to use as client hospitality, within the usual rules of gifts and entertainment of course. This time RBC did something different: rather than simply giving the tickets to advisors for client hospitality, they saw it as an opportunity to raise money for charity. So, we were given the opportunity to bid on Taylor Swift tickets with the highest bidder making a donation of their bid amount to the charity of their choice.
I donated nearly C$80,000 across eight different charities, including CAMH, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Daily Bread Food Bank, the Alzheimer Society, and more. I’m grateful that my clients have been so engaged and supportive of these initiatives (even though I know they’d love to gather for a party again – maybe this summer!).
"I have never had a response like this before, ever in my career."
In my 30 years as an advisor, I’ve taken clients to many concerts – the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, and other legendary bands. But when I called a client about these Taylor Swift tickets, her reaction was unmatched. She was over the moon. I have never had a response like this before, ever in my career.
At first, I thought I had four tickets to share. My client jokingly (or maybe not so jokingly) said, “Karim, you’ve caused some trouble. The whole family wants to go, and we don’t know who to take!” Imagine her surprise when I called back to say I had five more.
"For me, it was also an opportunity to connect with the next generation of this family."
The concert was incredible. While I wouldn’t call myself a Swiftie, I have immense respect for the show Taylor Swift put on – it lasted nearly four hours! In our group, there were grandparents, 50-year-olds, 30-year-olds, and 10-year-olds – all singing along and enjoying the experience together. I haven’t been to many events that bring generations together like that.
For me, it was also an opportunity to connect with the next generation of this family. After all, the children and grandchildren will one day inherit a significant estate, and they’ll need guidance in managing their wealth. More than the gift of concert tickets, the financial advice I can provide will be far more valuable and lasting. Because we spent that evening together, we formed an instant connection – one I know will endure.
I struggle to put into words just how special this experience was. My clients had an unforgettable night, I strengthened relationships with the next generation, and I was able to provide much-needed financial support to some truly worthwhile causes.
That’s a win, win, win in my books.
