Meet our newest BC Unclaimed team members

If you’ve called or emailed BC Unclaimed lately, you’ve likely heard back from one of our Unclaimed Property Specialists. Maybe you even received a letter from one of us letting you know we might be holding something in your name.

We previously introduced you to some of our employees, but since that was posted, we’ve welcomed new staff who are eager to help you claim your money.

Meet Terry and Jessica, two dedicated Unclaimed Property Specialists we’re glad to have here.

Why did you want to work at BC Unclaimed?

Terry: I was motivated to join BC Unclaimed because I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact for BC residents and their communities. Learning how much money sits dormant and how BC Unclaimed works to reunite those funds with their rightful owners was both surprising and inspiring. I’m especially drawn to the organization’s commitment to ensuring that unclaimed funds still serve the public good, whether by returning them directly to individuals or supporting community initiatives through Vancouver Foundation. The combination of public service, community benefit, and innovative management is what made me genuinely excited to be part of the team.

Jessica: I have always been fond of helping people, and most of my past work has involved reconnecting and collaborating with new individuals every single day. However, after starting in this position, I was surprised by how deeply devoted everyone is. The people at BC Unclaimed, and the work they do, are truly inspiring, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team.

What’s your favourite part about your work?

Terry: My favourite part of the work we do is seeing unclaimed funds finally make their way back to their rightful owners and witnessing the positive impact our donations have in the community. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing that money which would have otherwise remained dormant is instead being put to meaningful use by supporting community initiatives while we wait for the rightful owners to come forward.

Jessica: There’s always something new to learn every day. With new processes and procedures being implemented, we are becoming a more prepared team. What doesn’t change is our ability to give your money back. There’s no catch, if you can prove your identity and your connection to the properties we have listed, you are able to receive funds that rightfully belong to you.

What surprised you about the task of returning unclaimed funds?

Terry: What surprised me most was discovering just how many ways money can become unclaimed. I quickly learned that it’s actually very common for people to unintentionally lose contact with the organizations holding their money. Everyday situations can lead to this such as people moving and forgetting to update their address, going through name changes, or misplacing or never receiving cheques. Estate issues are another big factor as beneficiaries often don’t even know about family money that’s unclaimed. Even things like business closures, mergers, or old memberships can leave money behind without the owner realizing it.

Jessica: For some cases, it’s the complexity that stands out. Some claims are straightforward, but when it comes to estate or court-related properties, it can take a notable amount of time and effort to properly assess and pay them out to the rightful owners. It’s always a learning experience, but the most important part for me is seeing how happy a claimant is. That’s what keeps me going.

Do you have any funny stories or memorable claimants?

Terry: Some of the most memorable claimants for me are the people who had no idea they were entitled to unclaimed funds since they were named as beneficiaries by relatives, friends, or even former clients. I always find it incredibly touching when someone contacts us because they believe the funds we’re holding were a gesture of kindness from someone who meant a lot to them. What stands out to me are the stories people share about how they knew the person who left them the funds, the impact that relationship had on their lives, and why that gesture means so much. Hearing those personal connections with gratitude, nostalgia, or surprise makes the work feel deeply meaningful as with every claim, there’s a story about people caring for one another in ways they may not have expected.

Jessica: When I was randomly appointed to decorate the office, everyone was surprised that I put [holiday decorations] up too early. It sparked a lot of jokes once they saw it. Sometimes, it’s never too early to celebrate Christmas: As one claimant once told me over the phone, this organization has been [like a] Christmas miracle.

A team with purpose

Our purpose is always to enhance lives by locating and reuniting unclaimed funds with their rightful owners, and by community-focused charitable funding across British Columbia. Our team members work with this in mind, every day. We encourage you to spread the word about BC Unclaimed and take a moment to check if you, or someone you know, might have unclaimed property waiting to be discovered.