Langley, B.C. – The First West Foundation, though its Simple Generosity Comments of Kindness program is donating $319,675 to 624 local charities that support our communities across BC.
The program encouraged the public to show their appreciation for local charities by nominating them through First West Credit Union and its divisions, Island Savings, Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial’s Instagram and Facebook channels. For each comment mentioning a registered charity operating in First West Credit Union’s trade areas, the First West Foundation made a $25 donation to the charity, up to $2,500. First West Credit Union’s social media followers helped 20 different registered charities reach that maximum donation.
Of all charities supported, the top 10 from each region were considered for one of four $25,000 donations. The Simple Generosity committees—comprised of a cross-section of employees and board members— used a defined set of criteria to select the following four organizations as the $25,000 recipients.
Cowichan Women Against Violence Society:
“This support from Island Savings will do so much to help Cowichan Valley communities continue to thrive; we’re incredibly grateful,” says Jan Bate, Cowichan Women Against Violence Executive Director. “This gift will help to reduce the waitlist for our children’s counselling program so that children will get the help they need when they need it. A huge and heartfelt thanks!”
Archway Community Services Society:
“This sizeable contribution enhances our ability to fulfill our vision of ‘justice, opportunities and equitable access for all,” says Rod Santiago, Archway Community Services’ Executive Director. “Our 90+ programs and services provide vital support to an array of people – from kids and families to seniors, newcomers, persons of Indigenous background, as well as people who are unhoused, dealing with mental health and/or developmental disabilities. Our huge ‘thank-you’ to Envision Financial and the First West Foundation for their tangible and active participation in building a strong community!”
Penticton Recovery Resource Society (Discovery House):
“Wow, we thank you so much. We are trying to build a carriage house and this funding will be a great start towards construction” says Jerome Abraham Discovery House’s Executive Director. “Many people are on our waitlist for long-term care housing that will support their mental health. For us, recovery is about keeping a community connection, and we rely on support from organizations like Valley First, so thank you so much.”
Enderby and District Community Resource Centre Society:
“Wow, that’s amazing!” Said Lorna Fothergill, Executive Director of the Enderby and District Community Resource Centre Society. “This donation opens doors and with so much potential. We currently have a one-year pilot program helping seniors learn to use technology and there are so many who want to take part that we’d like to expand it already. As well, we have a social connection program for seniors that’s just been waiting for timing and funding to launch. This donation will help us deliver both programs and more!”
The #CommentsOfKindness program ran in communities in B.C. served by First West Credit Union and its divisions, Island Savings, Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial. In total, close to 11,000 “thank-you” comments were received, resulting in $319,675 being distributed to 624 registered charities.