LANGLEY, B.C.- First West Foundation is thrilled to announce that 15 charities recently received SOAR grants, sharing in a total of $189,294.
Created in 2022, SOAR is a First West Foundation funding stream dedicated to supporting equity-deserving organizations serving racialized communities, and those led by and serving Black, Brown, Indigenous, and persons of colour.
“The BC Black History Awareness Society promotes understanding, diversity, and inclusion by highlighting Black contributions to culture, government, education, sports, and more,” says Silvia Mangue Alene, President at BC Black History Awareness Society. “I cannot understate the immense value there is in having like-minded community champions serving as allies to expand our reach. The Foundation’s support of Black history exhibits, educational material, programs, and activities helps reach both youth and adults, reducing fear and hate and countering anti-Black racism.”
SOAR recipients were selected by a group of First West Credit Union volunteers, who are also members of one of First West’s seven Employee Network Groups (ENGs)—which are affinity groups that bring together those wishing to effect change and elevate marginalized groups by removing barriers and better understanding their lived experiences.
“It is really important for us to create a collaborative and inclusive selection process by involving First West ENG members, ensuring the very same marginalized communities we are looking to support also play a a pivotal role in identifying and adjudicating SOAR grantees,” says Susan Byrom, Executive Director at First West Foundation. “These charities are at the forefront of fostering equity and inclusion within our communities and their dedication to racialized communities and charities led by and serving Black, Brown, Indigenous, and persons of colour is truly inspiring.”
The following charities have been selected:
Enderby Financial Community Endowment
- AL Fortune Secondary School, $2,444
Envision Financial Community Endowment
- Big Sisters of the BC Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, $10,000
- Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre Association, $2,500
- Feels like Home Newcomers Society, Surrey, $25,000
- Langley Community Services Society, Langley, $8,850
- MOSAIC, Fraser Valley, $20,000
- Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society, Surrey, $25,000
- Qmunity, $5,000
- SHER Vancouver LBGTQ Friends Society, $25,000
Island Savings Community Endowment
- BC Black History Awareness Society, Victoria, $10,000
- Human-Nature Counselling Society, Victoria, $10,000
- Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees, $13,000
Valley First Community Endowment
- Impact Toolbox, Kelowna, $12,500
- Niteo Africa Society, Kelowna & Vernon, $10,000
- OCCA, Kelowna, $10,000
Since its inception in 2022, SOAR has distributed $455,544 through 41 grants, benefitting 30 charities. For more information, please visit www.firstwestfoundation.ca