Drew Duncan, PHR
Director, Human Resources &
Chair, RTP Charitable Donations Committee Eisai Inc.
When asked why he felt was so passionately about The Center, Drew Duncan , one of our newest board members, remembered his grandfather. He said, “My grandfather helped to raise me as a child and he passed away in 2002.
He had Diabetes and other complications so my family worked together to ensure he was well cared for but the primary responsibility belonged to my Aunt. She served as his main caregiver. I saw first-hand the demands of being a full time caregiver and the importance of providing relief. Caregivers do important work with love and care but it can be exhausting which is why the work of volunteers at CVC is so needed and highly appreciated.”
Drew is the Director of Human Resources and Chair of the RTP Charitable Donations Committee for Eisai Inc. and also one of The Center’s greatest supporters. Following are Drew’s responses to what he th9inks about The Center and why he feels it is so important to give back.
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Tell me how you first got involved with The Center?
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I first got involved with the center through my work with the RTP Charitable Donations Committee. I currently serve as the Chairman. I know that Eisai has a long term relationship with the Center and several former employees used to volunteer on a regular basis.
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What was your first impression of The Center?
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I was very impressed with the Center’s staff and most particularly its director Lynn Templeton. Lynn is very professional and radiates positive energy. Her staff is very knowledgeable about the Center and genuinely seems to care about their work and the Wake County seniors they support.
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Tell me why you want to give back to your community?
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I think every citizen should try to give back to their community in some meaningful way. I did not get to where I am in life today on my own. There has always been family, friends, colleagues, or fellow church members along the way to provide encouragement or help in some form or another. I believe everyone should try to leave this world a little better than they found it and community service is an excellent way to do just that.
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Tell me about someone who has influenced your life in that way?
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My mother was a social worker when I was child so I always saw her supporting children and the elderly in my home town in New Jersey. She organized meals on wheels, doctor visits, friendly visits, etc. and encouraged my siblings and I to always try to give back. As a result, her lessons have stayed with me until this day so I feel inspired to want to help others.
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Can you describe your passion for our cause?
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Yes, my grandfather helped to raise me as a child and he passed away in 2002. He had Diabetes and other complications so my family worked together to ensure he was well cared for but the primary responsibility belonged to my Aunt. She served as his main caregiver. I saw first-hand the demands of being a full time caregiver and the importance of providing relief. Caregivers do important work with love and care but it can be exhausting which is why the work of volunteers at CVC is so needed and highly appreciated.
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Eisai has already demonstrated strong support for The Center. How would you like to see the relationship between The Center and Eisai employees evolve?
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I hope that we can start to have employees volunteer on a regular basis in addition to providing financial support. Eisai has a new program that allows employees to spend up to two days a year volunteering with patients and/or caregivers so I hope the CVC can help us expand support for this initiative.
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