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Empower Your Communities: Recipient Project Descriptions
British Columbia region: Community Savings Credit Union Ltd. (Surrey, BC)
The Protein for People Project
Thousands of British Columbians are dependent on food banks to provide them with
food in order to survive. One of the most critical shortages in the diets of people
dependent upon food banks is dietary protein found in such foods as meat, fish, eggs
and dairy products. Unfortunately, a protein deficient diet causes people to suffer
from all manner of diseases related to malnutrition. The Protein for People Project
reaches into the community to provide protein to those who need it. In addition, it
offers dietary support to families of every background and provides educational and
other information.
This initiative meshes with Community Savings Credit Unions’ philanthropic
guidelines which look to support disadvantaged families, provide a safe and healthy
environment and help rehabilitate impoverished neighborhoods’. It is a program that
provides a hand up, not a hand out.
Alberta region: 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union Ltd. (Lethbridge, AB)
Big Brothers & Big Sisters; Bowl for Kids’ Sake project
Each year the Lethbridge and District branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters holds a
major fundraiser titled, Bowl for Kids’ Sake; a bowling tournament with over 400
bowlers who take part. In the past five years, over $176,000 has been raised to
support local programs.
1st Choice Savings and Credit Union has been an active supporter including three
years as the title sponsor. Last year, a branch development manager chaired the
fundraiser and the event had its highest year of funds raised. In addition, a dozen
staff volunteered along with an additional 33 staff and family members who bowled,
resulting in $4000 in pledges.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is an international organization providing one-on-one
mentoring to children and youth. They receive few government grants and rely on
individuals and businesses to provide their funding. Services are available at no cost
to the children however; the actual cost of maintaining one match is about $2300.
Their plan is to have 120 children matched with mentors by the end of this year.
There are currently 30 children on the waiting list. 1st Choice Savings and Credit
Union is very proud to support this initiative as it’s a win-win for all involved,
particularly for the children in their community in need of mentorship.
Manitoba region: Grandview Credit Union Ltd. (Grandview, MB)
Community School and Playground project
The Grandview community is one of grassroots and serves a large agricultural
population as well as a large Native population. The community playground is a
cornerstone of the community. This is where children and parents socialize, which
create ties for the youth. This can result in youth remaining in the community postgraduation. It is a place where children of different cultures meet and play and it
promotes physical activity.
In 2010, Grandview Credit Union donated $100,000 towards the Community Hall and
allowed the community to finalize the project. The community at large is involved in
the project with the Grandview Credit Union as a leader. In order to help with the
project, the Grandview Credit Union will be donating at least 25% of the project and
has staff involved as well, donating their time towards its success. The playground is
a project exemplifying how credit unions and cooperatives at large, empower
communities to build better lives for their families, while supporting sustainability.
Saskatchewan region: Churchbridge Credit Union (Churchbridge, SK)
Churchbridge Community Swimming Pool project
The community of Churchbridge has spent the past two and a half years developing
plans for a replacement community pool – one that will be 40 years old this year and
one which has been very well maintained over that time span – including fundraising
initiatives. In 2008, when Churchbridge Credit Union learned of the pool’s crumbling
walls, they jumped on board. They started by challenging their staff and board
members to donate, with the credit union matching any donation up to $10,000. In
addition, every summer the credit union holds community fundraising BBQs of which
2009’s collection was donated to the pool project.
With this being such a large initiative for the small town of Churchbridge, the credit
union wanted to help their residents to donate. They creatively came up with a 0%
interest-free loan program. They have offered this twice in the last year which
resulted in an additional $11,000 in fundraising efforts.
The staff of Churchbridge Credit Union is also on board, sitting on the planning
committee, working at fundraisers and will eventually assist with the building of the
new pool, which is being built on land donated by the Town of Churchbridge.
Ontario region: United Communities Credit Union (Essex, ON)
Farms to Food Banks Program
In 2007, United Communities Credit Union recognized a significant increase in the
usage of food banks as many of its members were hit by job loss when the Big 3
automotive industry was in turmoil. They invited representatives from area food
banks to attend a meeting to discuss how the credit union could best help. They
expressed that the lack of access to fresh fruits, vegetables and meats was an issue.
Together, they brainstormed and developed the Farms to Food Banks Program.
Engaging local farmers, United Communities set out to purchase the farmers
products at fair market price in exchange for assistance in getting the items
distributed to the food banks. The response was overwhelming. The total
contributions to date are 46,240 lbs. of meat, 234,665 lbs. of apples and 136,764
lbs. of potatoes. Over 35 individual food banks have been assisted and thousands of
local residents helped. By the end of this winter, the credit unions contributions total
will be over $235,000.
This project was started by the credit union, run by the credit union staff, and
involved members of our community at large. United Communities contributes both
funds and staff time to work with this program.
Atlantic region: Metro Credit Union Ltd. (Charlottetown, PEI)
Camp Gencheff for children/young adults with physical/mental disabilities
Metro Credit Union has become a major benefactor of Camp Gencheff. The credit
union provides $20,000 per year to the camp; $10,000 as a corporate donation and
$10,000 from staff. Staff fundraising includes activities such as golf tournaments,
bake sales, book sales, etc., and each staff member is expected to help out at the
camp in some way.
The funding program has been in place for a total of seven years now ($140,000 to
the camp so far) and has another three years before it is renewed again. Camp
Gencheff is the only camp of its kind on PEI and draws children from across the
island. This project with Camp Gencheff was a perfect fit for Metro Credit Union. It
involved more than writing a cheque; it was about supporting an organization with
time and energy. The camp is an organization that truly helps Island children and
their families and is aligned with our values as an organization that exists to help.