Our First West Credit Union staff are practicing social distancing, proudly representing our local brand, Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, and most importantly, raising funds for our local food banks. We love our communities and in this unprecedented time, we want to stay connected with one another and continue to walk with you. Sending out some extra community love!

Congratulations to #SimpleGenerosity volunteer recipient from Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, Connie Stam! She directed her donation to Compassionate Neighborhood Health Partners Society (CNHP). CNHP Society started with Connie's vision and passion to lessen isolation and loneliness for seniors. As a Home Health RN, prior to retirement, she witnessed the isolation and heard about the loneliness of many seniors. She believed harnessing recently retired healthcare professionals could benefit the community and she sought to harness their energy and skills. Connie still spends numerous hours activating this vision while still volunteering and sitting at the table of at least four other community committees. Thank you for inspiring us!

It’s always a great day when it begins with a visit to our friends at Canuck Place Children's Hospice. Recipients of a $10,000 Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union Community Endowment grant in 2019, Canuck Place was able to expand their in-patient care with increased counselling services at Canuck Place (CPCH) Dave Lede House (DLH). We are proud to support the incredible work you are doing in the local community and around the Province with children and families.

We love our food bank programs--Feed the Valley (serving communities everywhere Valley First operates) and The Full Cupboard-(serving communities in our regions Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union & Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union). These community-based programs are designed to raise food, funds and awareness about hunger in our communities. Our team members are at the heart of the program--branch champions who connect with our community to support local food banks.

Join us in the fight against hunger in all our communities by making a donation today to your local food bank. In BC, you can make a donation at foodbanksbc.com. Read more about Food for Thought in Enterprise Magazine!

Photo courtesy of Enterprise Magazine

Congratulations to our very own Michelle Wiebe 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 Scouts Canada-6th Chilliwack Group. Michelle has been a leader for 5 years with all three of her children attending either Beavers, Cubs or Troops. Scouts Canada introduces youth to nature, physical activity, philanthropy and provides support at various community events. This donation of $500 will be sending 25 youth to winter camp in the Morris Valley, providing them with experiences that may not have been possible without amazing volunteers such as Michelle. We thank you Michelle for supporting our youth and making a difference in your community!

A round of applause for #SimpleGenerosity Neighbourhood Grant recipient from Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, FitTherapy! The FitTherapy team hosted a group fitness class for all abilities, by donation to SARA - an organization that provides transition houses in Abbotsford and Mission to support women and children. FitTherapy engaged with local businesses to provide support and help bring people together for the event, through venue rentals, raffle prize donations, event photography, smoothies for participants and even ads on local radio stations. Through ticket sales, raffle prizes and donations, they were able to collect $1,633 for SARA! Thank you for helping us spread #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

Congratulations to our very own Nita Powers 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 Little Paws Rescue Society. Nita was introduced to this remarkable organization 15 years ago through her veterinarian and was inspired by the dedication and commitment of the volunteers in rescuing and rehoming small dogs. This grassroots organization began with two women with a passion for fostering Papillons and blossomed into a rescuing/adoption service for a variety of small breed canines. Little Paws also trains and performs agility demonstrations at community events to raise awareness and funds. Nita, her family and dog, Shadow have participated in many agility classes through Little Paws, which lead them to winning a guest spot at the PNE Super Dogs Summer Show! Thank you Nita for being a super volunteer in your community!

2020 granting is here & we've aligned Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union & Enderby & District Financial, a division of First West CU endowment granting. Check out the link: https://bit.ly/2Ap77vf to submit an EOI by January 15 to learn about next steps. Granting cycle opens Feb 3, closes March 2.

Congratulations to our very own Kim Massa 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 the Bethel Mennonite Church. Kim has a passion for giving back to her community through a variety of initiatives such as providing kitchen support at her church, helping lead Boy Scouts as well as assisting single mothers with household chores. Thank you, Kim, for being a superstar in your community!

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!