LANGLEY, B.C. – Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit union, and its philanthropic partner, First West Foundation are donating $138,250 to 294 local charities throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Kitimat, as part of the Simple Generosity #CommentsOfKindness program.
The program encouraged the public to show their appreciation for local charities by nominating them through Envision Financial’s Instagram and Facebook channels. For each comment mentioning a registered charity operating in Envision Financial’s trade areas, the First West Foundation made a $25 donation to the charity, up to $2,500. Envision Financial’s social media followers helped 11 different registered charities reach that maximum donation.
Of all charities supported, the top 10 were considered for a $25,000 donation. The Simple Generosity committee—comprised of a cross-section of employees and board members— used a defined set of criteria to select Archway Community Services as the $25,000 recipient.
“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!”
“Archway Community Services was one of the most thanked charities in the Envision Financial Region in our Comments of Kindness program, which speaks to you and the good work that they do,” says David Lanphear, President of Envision Financial. “I was blown away by the scope, number of programs and amazing work they do. On behalf of Envision Financial and First West Foundation congratulations, and thanks for all that you do.”
The #CommentsOfKindness program ran in communities in B.C. served by First West Credit Union and its divisions, Envision Financial, Island Savings, 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.