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MEDIA CENTER

Community rallies together to provide $61,225 to local charities through Valley First’s #CommentOfKindness

PENTICTON, B.C. – Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, and its philanthropic partner, First West Foundation are donating $61,225 to 180 local charities throughout the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson Valley regions, as part of the Simple Generosity #CommentsOfKindness program.

The program encouraged the public to show their appreciation for local charities by nominating them through Valley First’s Instagram and Facebook channels. For each comment mentioning a registered charity operating in Valley First’s trade areas, the First West Foundation made a $25 donation to the charity, up to $2,500. Valley First’s social media followers helped 5 different registered charities reach that maximum donation.

Of all charities supported, the top 10 were considered for a $25,000 donation. The Simple Generosity committee—comprised of a cross-section of employees and board members— used a defined set of criteria to select Discovery House as the $25,000 recipient.

“Wow, we thank you so much. We are trying to build a carriage house and this funding will be a great start towards construction” says Jerome Abraham Discovery House’s Executive Director. “Many people are on our waitlist for long-term care housing that will support their mental health. For us, recovery is about keeping a community connection, and we rely on support from organizations like Valley First, so thank you so much.”

“Congratulations to Discovery house. Your organization does fantastic work here in our community and this donation is well deserved,” says Paulo Araujo, President of Valley First. “On behalf of Valley First and First West Foundation thank you for all you do towards helping our communities thrive.”

The #CommentsOfKindness program ran in communities in B.C. served by First West Credit Union and its divisions, Island Savings, Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial. In total, close to 11,000 “thank-you” comments were received, resulting in $319,675 being distributed to 624 registered charities.

Company Information

About Valley First

Valley First is a premier provider of banking and investment services for residents and businesses in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys. As a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.’s third-largest credit union with 46 branches throughout the province, Valley First brings innovative products, an extensive branch network and local decision making to the banking experience. For more information on Valley First, visit www.valleyfirst.com.

About First West Foundation

The First West Foundation cares about the well-being of the communities served by First West Credit Union and its regional divisions, Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial. The Foundation, with assets over $18 million, uses income generated from its endowments to help create resourceful and resilient communities. Since its inception in 1996, the First West Foundation has donated over $7 million in grants to local community groups and projects. The Foundation grows its endowments through charitable gifts and bequests. For more information, visit firstwestfoundation.ca    

Media Contacts

Josh Juhlke

Communications Manager
c: 604.309.6066
jjuhlke@firstwestcu.ca