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, Ryan Smith who is being recognized by Island Savings 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 Duncan Junior Baseball Association. Ryan started volunteering as a baseball coach for his daughter's team three years ago and has never looked back! Here are a few words from Ryan about his experience: "Watching their development over the years has been amazing, I have realized though coaching at this vital age group that it is not only the sport, but more importantly it’s about building and encouraging vital self-esteem, team-building and personal health activities, which I feel is more critical for girls at this age. Next year some of the girls will move over to fast pitch and some will move to mixed teams, but I am hoping that this donation will help maintain the momentum of ensuring all girls have the opportunity to play and the confidence to remain playing in a supportive safe environment!".

Thank you Ryan for being a community Rockstar!

The Victoria Women's Transition House Society in Victoria hosts a women’s drop-in support group for women. Running weekly in partnership with the YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island, this trauma-informed group counseling program provides immediate, facilitated group counselling access for women recovering from the trauma of violence and domestic abuse. Thanks to a $10,000 Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union community endowment grant, women can access the group when they need for as long as they need. Thank you Victoria Women’s Transition House for providing and supporting women and children in our community.

Kudos to Cheryl Curkowskyj who is being recognized by Island Savings 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 Altrusa Club of Nanaimo. Cheryl is a true leader in her community and a valued member of Altrusa, which provides community support with emphasis on women, children and literacy. This donation will have a positive impact on young children in Nanaimo, as they hope to enhance the literacy component within the Altrusa Playground by intergrating the alphabet, words, numbers or books into the area. Thank you Cheryl For being a community Rockstar!

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!

Another day, another great Island visit with our friends at The Men’s Centre in Nanaimo. Through a $5,837 grant through the Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union Community Endowment, The Men’s Centre is offering their Dad’s Soup program to lower income Fathers in the community. Fathers are learning girls raised with engaged, nurturing fathers develop a greater sense of competency and boys are far less likely to be aggressive and/or exhibit anti-social behaviours. Dad’s Soup is a series of six workshops designed to help fathers learn how to prepare a delicious, healthy meal for their family. The Centre also supports Dads with food preparation, counselling and housing and job interview skills. Learning about and sharing the bond of fatherhood also involves a food component and the participants receive a crockpot upon completion as well as the food prepared during the sessions.

I sure enjoyed myself today at the LAFF( Ladysmith Family and Friends) Morning program!

This program was founded by a wonderful lady in 1993, which still continues to bring families together to create a sense of community and encourage positive development in children through interactive and inclusive activities.

Today I had the opportunity to interact with families that attend the program, it was amazing to see so many parents, grandparents and children learning and having so much fun together! Tomorrow is there big Luncheon so I helped prep some beets, potatoes and corn. The kitchen smelled like Turkey, YUMM!!

I was able to participate in this opportunity thanks to our Make a Difference Days program at Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union, a month-long community service program, designed to encourage and support employee involvement with a social issue or non-profit organization in our community.

I LOVE Make a Difference Days!!

A big thank you to Pacific Centre Family Services for sharing their time with us and highlighting the importance of taking care of our seniors in the community. With a $10,000 Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union Community Endowment grant, PCFSA continues to provide a Seniors Transportation Support Service. More than just a ride, this service provides Island seniors with low-cost transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping and social outings. Your outreach program highlights seniors and prioritizes their independence, allowing them to remain active and vibrant in their community. We are so proud to support your work.

Congratulations to #SimpleGenerosity recipient from Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union, Danny Martin! He directed his donation to Pender Island Baseball. Danny has been voluntarily coaching baseball for decades. Last year he was recognized by the Blue Jays and the Canadians for 50 years of coaching! He cultivates a supportive network of kids, parents and others to all voluntarily come together for games and practices. He’s put out several talented athletes from their tiny island community. Every kid who is coached by him is a better person for that experience. He has donated his time towards the sport, and others are compelled to donate their time as well to help him. Pender Island is a small rural community with few athletic opportunities for kids. Danny has, along with several steady volunteers, had several generations of kids playing competitive ball, many of them becoming accomplished athletes off-Island. Thank you for inspiring us!

Know a volunteer doing good work in your community? Nominate them on Do Some Good today: http://bit.ly/2pAy0bA

Some of the Foundation team dropped in on Ladysmith Family & Friends Resource Centre for a lovely and stylish tea party. And, oh my, what a hoot it was! Thank you LAFF for including us in your Healthy Hearts, Healthy Bodies program last week. Through a $6,000 Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union Community Endowment grant, housed with the First West Foundation, LAFF is providing over 500 families with regular healthy meals and opportunities to learn about healthy eating habits.