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MEDIA CENTRE

First West Foundation grants $732,737 to local charities, adding to historic year of giving

LANGLEY, B.C. – The First West Foundation, through its four community endowments— Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial— is granting a total of 64 grants this year to deserving charities across B.C. 

This year’s grants are primarily for projects and programming focused in two key areas— building resilient and resourceful communities by helping those affected by socio-economic factors and strengthening the social services sector by supporting organizational development initiatives such as leadership training. 

Click on the links below to view details on the organizations and programming receiving grants in each region. 

2020 has proved to be a historic year of giving for the Foundation, the philanthropic arm of First West Credit Union and all its divisions.  

  • $732,737 donated through annual endowments to local non-profits where First West Credit Union operates 
  • $431,005 set aside for additional granting needs in 2020 as needed 
  • $1 million for First West’s Community Response Fund, launched to support local charities through the pandemic  

In total, the First West Foundation will gift over $2.1 million to local non-profits in 2020—the highest amount in its history. 

“The credit union mantra has always been about neighbour helping neighbour and this year has highlighted that even more for us,” says Susan Byrom, executive director of the First West Foundation.   “Our communities need us right now and, we couldn’t be prouder to see the First West Foundation stepping up in the community to help these vital organizations continue the incredible work they do.” 

Since its inception in 1996, the First West Foundation has donated over $6.39 million in grants to local community groups and projects. 

Company Information

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union brings together the best of both worlds, combining the scale, stability and solutions of a leading Canadian financial institution with the care and community leadership of a local cooperative. Powered by the leadership of Launi Skinner, First West is Canada’s premier multi-brand credit union, serving 283,000 members through four admired community brands: Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial. With approximately $20 billion in total assets and assets under administration, First West makes it easy for its members to get impactful, practical advice and personalized service that’s truly in their best interests, through 45 branches across B.C., a Member Advice Centre and leading digital tools.

Since 2010, First West has given back more than $41 million to its communities, while cultivating a culture with its 1,250 team members that is recognized nationally with Canada’s Most Admired Cultures Award, BC’s Top Employers Award, 5-Star Psychological Safety Award, and the Canadian Workplace Wellbeing Award. Learn more at firstwestcu.ca and see how we’re redefining banking to create a future where everyone can flourish.

About the First West Foundation

The First West Foundation cares about the well-being of the communities served by First West Credit Union and its regional divisions, Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial. The Foundation, with assets over $16 million, uses income generated from its endowments to help create resourceful and resilient communities. Since its inception in 1996, the First West Foundation has donated over $6.39 million in grants to local community groups and projects. The Foundation grows its endowments through charitable gifts and bequests. For more information, visit firstwestfoundation.ca    

Media Contacts

Josh Juhlke,

Communications Manager
c: 604.309.6066
jjuhlke@firstwestcu.ca