Congratulations to our very own, Jenifer Wooffinden who is being recognized by Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, for her leadership in the community through our Employee Lead Well Program. As part of this recognition she received $500 to donate to the charity of her choice, she chose Cyrus Centre in Abbotsford. Recently Jenifer received a tour of the Cyrus Centre and learned about the amazing services they provide, here is what she learned during her visit: "During their time at Cyrus Centre the staff work with the youth to learn life skills, gain affordable housing, get a job, open a bank account and many other skills that help them become contributing members of society. Cyrus Centre serves dinner every night at the centre and sometimes can have upwards of 30 youth attend. I also learned that Cyrus Centre has 8 emergency shelter beds upstairs in the facility so this contribution will assist with nearly 10 nights of funding. There is a youth food bank located in the building as well that is stocked with food from the Archway Food Bank and is a safe place for youth to collect food. At the end of the day these youth are looking for support, guidance, acceptance and love that they may not have received without a place like Cyrus Centre". Thank you Jenifer for sharing and being a Community Rockstar!

Congratulations to our very own, Brady Jepsen who is being recognized by Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, for his leadership in the community through our Employee Lead Well Program. As part of this recognition he received $500 to donate to the charity of his choice, he chose the Langley Hospice Society. This incredible organization is committed to providing emotional, practical and spiritual support for people who are living with a terminal illness, their family and friends, throughout the last stages of illness, at the time of death and bereavement. Not only is Brady a leader in our organization he is a leader in our community. Thank you Brady for being a Community Rockstar!

Thank you Unity Christian School for hosting First West Foundation & Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union staff and board members for the MADD Canada School Assembly Program to teach youth in grades 7-12 new skills and information including the consequences of impaired driving, alternatives to driving impaired and to plan ahead and call 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. The Over the Edge presentation was realistic, raw and impactful. Powerful! Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union Community Endowment, five presentations will take place in local schools throughout the Envision Financial region. Canada wide, approximately 1,000,000 students will see the presentation at 2,200 schools, including approximately 100,000 youth in BC at 100 middle and high schools.

We're celebrating seniors! DiverseCity Community Resources received a #SimpleGenerosity Neighbourhood Grant from Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union to help celebrate National Seniors Day! They purchased interactive games, had refreshments, information booths, and even a yoga class! The event brought together seniors in the community to recognize and celebrate the importance of individual cultural identities and teachings for our future generations. Have an idea to bring your community together? Apply on Do Some Good today for a grant of up to $500; http://bit.ly/2JuXlw1

Shout out to a #SimpleGenerosity Neighbourhood Grant recipient from Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union! The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation received a grant to purchase patio chairs for their Cottage Worthington Pavilion - a care facility that focuses on rehabilitation and recovery. The residents are able to enjoy sitting in the sun, looking at the garden and visiting with their loved ones outside with the new, colourful chairs! Thank you for helping us share #SimpleGenerosity in our community! Have an idea for a community initiative, program or event? Apply on Do Some Good today for a grant of up to $500; http://bit.ly/2JuXlw1

Thank you for hosting our First West Foundation & Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union teams Langley Care Foundation & delivering your Senior Peer Outreach program for Langley residents. Your volunteer-driven service provides such vital outreach for isolated & at-risk #seniors in Langley. We're proud to grant $15,000 through the Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, Community endowment.

A few of us volunteered at The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary and what a fun experience! How could you not love being outdoors and working with animals?! Diane and her team are amazing!! It's great to be able to volunteer with incredible organizations out there dealing with all types animals that need a better home! ♡ #makeadifferencedays #thehappyherd #Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union Caitlyn MacLeod Breanna Wiebe Robyn Preston Danielle Wilson

Did you know it is International Credit Union Day?

It is because of Credit Unions and our growing Good Company network that charitable organizations, youth and community members can use the Do Some Good platform for free!

We want to acknowledge our Community Partners at Prospera Credit Union, Interior Savings and Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union - including Enderby & District Financial, a division of First West CU, Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union, and Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union.

Thank you for your commitment to your local communities!

Here’s a new #SimpleGenerosity idea from an Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union community, Surrey; Funding will be used for a National Seniors Day Celebration on Oct 3 for seniors, their family members and friends in DIVERSEcity's Staying Active Senior's Social Club. The event will be open to all community members including immigrant and refugee seniors who participate in other programs at DIVERSEcity, as well as other agencies and the City. The celebration will help to promote socialization through food, board games, puzzles and folklore dances which help with mental and physical stimulation for the seniors. Funds will be used to purchase food and picnic supplies and low barrier games/puzzles supplies such as jigsaw puzzles, Jenga, Connect Four, Dominoes, Bocce, Horseshoe and Bean Bag toss.

Low barrier opportunities for socialization help to keep immigrant seniors active and engaged as they are often isolated due to language and cultural barriers and also due to childcare responsibilities. Games and puzzles help to keep seniors mentally and physically active. Food is also essential for creating a warm and inviting space for the seniors to socialize in. Finally, it's a great way to celebrate.

Do you have an idea, event or initiative that is aimed a building a stronger community? Apply today on Do Some Good; http://ow.ly/g7hq50wyPpK