First West Foundation
The First West Foundation cares about the well-being of the communities served by First West Credit Union and our regional divisions: Envision Financial and Valley First. We use income generated from our endowments to help improve the quality of life for British Columbians in these communities, proudly contributing more than $2 million to charities over the last 15 years.
In 2011, in the Envision region, we supported charities and initiatives helping children, families and youth at risk by donating more than $230,000 from the Envision Financial Community Endowment. Funds from this endowment were also directed to projects that strengthen the social services sector because we recognize the exceptional work done by non-profits and their role in contributing to the prosperity of our province. Up to 30 per cent of the available funding was allocated to charities for their much needed organizational development needs.
Expanding the Foundation’s reach
Last year was also a landmark year for the First West Foundation as we expanded the Foundation’s reach to communities served by Valley First. The Valley First Community Endowment, established in 2010, generated over $40,000 of funding for organizations that run food-related programs for at-risk children, youth, seniors and families in the Okanagan, Thompson and Similkameen areas.
