FOR THE COMMUNITY
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
Creating capacity and bettering lives in our communities
6,831 hours of community leadership
Our team members applied leadership and professional skills to create capacity for more than 264 B.C.-based non-profit and charitable organizations. Recognizing these efforts, our Lead Well Recognition program funded 40 $1,000 grants to support non-profits selected by team members.
$14,565 donated through #FWWednesday
Themed Wednesdays throughout the year encouraged team members to share photos and positive messages on First West’s internal social networking platform, with a goal of raising funds for local charities and our signature cause.
25 recurring volunteers building sustainable capacity
Team members rallied weekly to support Nanaimo-Ladysmith School Foundation and its Food4Schools Program, contributing 70 hours of volunteer time to pack and sort food for meal programs across 33 schools in Nanaimo and Ladysmith. The program supports 2,100 students daily.
168 volunteer activities
As part of our annual Make a Difference Days, team members volunteered 688 hours of their time with non-profits and charities in our communities.
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$41 million for community causes
Giving back to our communities isn’t just a part of what we do—it’s who we are. Since coming together as First West in 2010, our credit union has invested more than $41 million into supporting local non-profit and charitable organizations.
708,944 meals for those in-need
Our Signature Cause programs, supporting registered food banks across B.C., were bolstered in 2024 through continued team member-led fundraising and community partnerships, raising $414,329. Since 2010, First West has raised approximately $5.6 million and collected 215,561 pounds of food for local food banks.
Learn more about our signature cause programs at Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial, and Island Savings.
2024 Highlights
First West Foundation has been working to create resilient and resourceful communities since 1996

$21 million
Established in 1996 with a $200,000 donation, the First West Foundation has grown to $21 million in 2024 through the generosity of its donors, significantly expanding the scope of its impact across B.C.

Nearly $1 million disbursed in 2024
The First West Foundation disbursed $975,759 in 2024 through its annual grant cycle and giving programs

100 local charities
Support from the First West Foundation helped scores of local charities deliver programs and services that help build community resilience and resourcefulness.
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