DUNCAN, B.C. –First West Credit Union and its local divisions Island Savings, Valley First, Envision Financial and Enderby & District Financial, have made a combined donation of $40,000 to Food Banks BC to support individuals and families impacted by the recent B.C. wildfires. In addition, First West Credit Union board member, Ken Voth, has pledged $10,000 to the cause, bringing the total amount donated by First West Credit Union and its members to $50,000.
“As a member-owned financial cooperative, our members align themselves with us for this very reason, to serve their local— and sometimes broader B.C. community—when they need it most,” says Kendall Gross, President at Island Savings. “It’s times like these when communities need to come together, and we hope that this gesture can help keep food on the table for the individuals and families impacted by this unfortunate situation.”
Food Banks BC is First West Credit Union’s signature cause (The Full Cupboard and Feed the Valley) partner. The Full Cupboard and Feed the Valley are innovative community partnerships aimed at tackling hunger in our communities.
“We are so very grateful for our partnership with First West Credit Union and their continued support of food banks in BC. As yet another crisis hits our food banks, this donation will be used to help provide them with access to critical supplies such as food, water, and other necessities,” says Dan Huang-Taylor, Executive Director at Food Banks BC. “On behalf of the food bank members in the affected communities, and the British Columbians who are relying on them for support during this challenging time, thank you First West Credit Union.”
First West is also leveraging its branch network and digital platforms to encourage its membership base of over 240,000 members to donate to the cause as well. For more information or to donate, visit: https://www.islandsavings.ca/community-leadership/full-cupboard