One of the highlights of the year was the opening of our Cloverdale branch in Surrey, one of the fastest-growing communities in B.C. This new location in Brick Yard Station continues the updated, modern approach to banking we introduced at our Garrison Village branch in Chilliwack in 2014. We’ve replaced the traditional wicket queues and tellers with a banking representative who welcomes members to the branch and serves all of their banking, borrowing and investing needs. The result is a convenient one-stop experience. But there’s more: this new branch concept brings even more ease to the banking experience. All staff in the branch are equipped for mobile service, meeting members wherever it’s most convenient for them.

In 2016 we’ll continue to advance our new approach to banking, bringing further convenience and accessibility to members throughout our branch network. We’ll also strive to elevate the trusted experience we deliver by partnering with our members and clients to provide exemplary advice, service and products that fit their needs and stages of life.

None of our success would be possible without each of you who does business with Envision Financial. I’m grateful that you continue to choose us for your banking, investment and insurance needs. You are the reason we open our doors every morning and strive to get better and better every day. Thank you.

Raising the Bar

From its base in Chilliwack, Bar None Metalworks specializes in offering structural steel installation, steel fabrication and miscellaneous metal products throughout the Lower Mainland. Since its formation in 2000, Bar None has become well known for its ability to deliver projects on time with an unwavering commitment to quality and safety. Its 25,000 square-foot plant operates a fully staffed fabrication workshop capable of producing up to 2,000 metric tons of fabricated structural steel per year.

If you’ve spent much time in the Lower Mainland, chances are you have been in a Bar None project without knowing it. Bar None’s work includes medical and professional office buildings, big-box retail stores, shopping centres, educational and recreational facilities, churches, theatres, and industrial and special-use projects.

General Manager Jonathon (JD) Dugdale spent years in the specialty manufacturing sector, but he’s also the “big picture guy.” JD also spent several years in the banking industry and has a MBA to boot, so he knows a thing or two about what to expect from a financial institution.

“When I went looking for a financial partner, I spent a lot of time trying to explain what we do and how it was going to be profitable,” says JD. “There wasn’t much opportunity to share the knowledge and passion of my partners and our vision for the company.”

Envision Financial knows that there is more to a financial relationship than the facts and figures and it takes a real time commitment to understand what makes a business successful.

“When it came time to make some financing decisions, it was amazing to have Envision’s vice-president of credit visit our facility and see what we do firsthand. The team spent hours asking us questions about our business to get a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead, along with sitting down face-to-face, getting to know all of the owners.”

Bar None’s future success rests on continued growth and prosperity in the Lower Mainland, and dealing with a financial institution that shares this commitment is invaluable.

“Envision operates locally and makes their decisions locally. They understand our business and the strong relationship we have with our account management team provides the consistency and stability we need for our business. Our confidence in their team allows us to focus on growing our business and giving back to our community.”

By the Numbers

• 87% of credit union members who do personal banking under the Envision Financial banner would most likely recommend us to a friend or family member
• 88% of clients would most likely recommend our insurance services to a friend or family member
• 3,763 net new members joined Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union
• 82% of credit union members state we are better than other companies they regularly use for products and services
• 1,000 members referred a friend or family member through our Referral Perks program

Member Highlights

• Unveiled our new, modern concept branch in Surrey’s Cloverdale neighbourhood, where members can try new banking technologies and consult our money experts on all their banking, borrowing and investment needs
• Launched our new Simple Stability Mortgage™ for budget-savvy homebuyers who want our lowest rate for the entire term
• Trialed the DASHBAND™ wearable payment accessory for people who need a convenient payment method to fit their lifestyle
• Helped members get a jump start on saving for next year’s TFSA contributions by offering the TFSA Early Bird Account for the second straight year
• Renovated our Sardis and Willoughby branches to provide a better in-branch experience for our members
• Added nine additional foreign exchange ATMs to our branch network to provide members with easier access to U.S. cash

Alouette Addictions Services gets a hand-up from unique community program

In 2015, Alouette Addictions Services got to see firsthand the benefits of a new community-building program created through a partnership between Envision Financial and Douglas College. The Envision Financial Douglas College Community Building program provides local non-profit organizations the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of Douglas College marketing students to carry out research, uncover opportunities and create strategies to overcome current challenges facing the agencies. The program exposes students to the growing social sector and gives them hands-on learning experiences that will ultimately benefit the community.

“Many non-profit agencies are stretched thin and don’t have the time or expertise to research and develop new programs or marketing campaigns,” says Susan Byrom, senior manager of community investment at First West Credit Union. “This program fills that need while providing enriched learning opportunities for the students. We want to make a meaningful difference in our local communities and this program allows us to do just that.”

The way Annika Polegato sees it, the program not only provided welcome resources but also created new, refreshing perspectives for her and the team at Alouette Addictions Services.

“The biggest benefit to us was how it helped us see our agency through new eyes,” says Polegato, executive director of the non-profit addiction and substance abuse outpatient agency in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. “It’s critical for us to be able to adapt to changing needs—the students asked new questions and brought ideas that encouraged us to see ourselves differently, to see potential and new ways of doing business.”

To Polegato’s delight, the support from Envision Financial has continued to escalate.

“We’re thankful to have benefited from the program, but we’re even more touched by the support we’ve received from Envision Financial outside the community-building program,” she says. In October, as part of First West’s annual Make A Difference Days, members of Envision Financial’s leadership team made over 150 homemade, individually packaged meals to ensure the agency’s clients didn’t go without a hot meal.

“We’ve seen that Envision Financial is truly committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients and our community. Our staff and our clients are grateful for their ongoing support.”

Community Investment: By the Numbers

• More than $1.5 million donated to worthy causes and organizations in our local communities
• More than $28,600 of in-kind contributions to charitable partners
• 6,775 total hours volunteered by staff in the Envision Financial region supporting community partners throughout our region
• $121,373 raised and 14,072 pounds of food collected for The Full Cupboard and 11 local food banks
• Staff volunteered 984.5 hours holding 82 fundraising events and activities for The Full Cupboard in the Envision Financial region
• 929 gifts collected, $4,198 raised and 3,515 pounds of food donated through The Full Cupboard holiday program
• 845 hours of volunteerism with 24 projects in ten Envision Financial communities for our Make a Difference Days program
• 60 free concerts for local residents through the Envision Financial Twilight Concert Series, Envision Financial Coffee House Concert Series and Envision Financial Concert in the Park Series

• More than 50 classrooms in seven districts and over 1,200 students participated with Envision Financial’s PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs® program in which students donate 10% of earned profit to a non-profit organization of their choice; since 2012, over $26,000 has been donated to local charities throughout our region
• $312,000 raised for Envision Financial Run for Water; 50 local and area schools a participated in the Envision a Better World: Learn, Create, Run educational curriculum
• More than $17,140 donated to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in our annual campaign bringing our total giving since 2007 to $266,616
• $27,000 contributed to students’ post-secondary education through the Envision Financial Education Award program
• 20 secondary students received mentoring from employees in the Envision Financial region
• $45,029 pledged to local charities and community organizations by employees as part of our employee giving campaign

2015 Community Partners

Throughout the year, Envision Financial supports a variety of non-profit and charitable organizations in our communities. In 2015, our community partners included:

Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, is a proud participant of London Benchmarking Group (Canada), a growing group of companies committed to maximizing the value of their community investment—for community partners and for business. Our community investment results are based on London Benchmarking Group (Canada) valuation principles.

If you’re a member and you’re only hearing about these upgrades for the first time, then we’ve done our job well. It was our goal to minimize member and client impact as much as possible. And while we finished these projects almost flawlessly, I draw even more satisfaction knowing we did so without skipping a beat in our member service delivery.

Of course, we don’t just change systems for the sake of change. Our upgrades have given us the foundation to be even better in the coming years and really elevate our service. We remain committed to making banking and insurance as simple and as accessible as possible for members and clients while providing expert service, products and advice when, where and how you want them.

We’re now looking forward to 2016 and bringing an even stronger focus to our relationship with you and taking the way we provide service to a higher level. After all, it’s you who make Valley First the proud division of First West Credit Union that it is today.

I say it every year, but I truly believe the success of Valley First comes down to two things: the commitment of First West’s dedicated employees and the loyalty and support of members and clients.

Thank you all, once again, for being part of creating our future and guiding us to the end of another incredibly full and successful year.

Strong, local partnerships: The not-so-secret ingredient to business success

Who doesn’t love cake? The more important question many cake lovers in the Okanagan ask themselves is, “Can I get a Whisk cake?”

Since arriving on the scene in 2010, Kelowna’s Whisk Cake Co. has fast become one of the most well-known names in British Columbia’s cake baking business. In just a few short years it has received many accolades, including the coveted Best Wedding Cake in BC award. While they’re known for their wedding cakes, Whisk owner operators Jon and Tanya Garratt specialize in cakes for all occasions. The team also shares the love of cakes and cake-making through its cake classes.

But, there’s more to creating a successful cake business than simply baking a great cake. As Whisk’s intricate, award-winning, edible masterpieces show, attention to detail are critical to Garratt's success. Having the right banking partner is also a must.

Whisk’s Jon Garratt says he was attracted to Valley First by the competitive rates, customer service and community involvement.

“Valley First has a strong community feel and community focus with great outreach to members. The service and simple things our business banking advisor has done for us really make Valley First stand out.”

Becoming successful doesn’t just happen. It also requires business savvy.

“You’ve got to know your numbers inside and out,” says Garratt. “When you can save $100 a month in bank fees, that goes a long way. We all work hard so it’s nice to have that extra money in the back pocket.”

Along with strong partnerships, Valley First Business Banking Advisor Craig Phillips says the Whisk team also bring passion to their business.

“Tanya, Jon and everyone at Whisk love what they do,” says Phillips. “This goes a long way. They’re also very modest about their success. The cakes are great, but the team has a clear vision, the business knowledge and the talent to create the perfect recipe for a successful business. It’s terrific to be able to partner with them and watch their business grow.”

By the Numbers

• 85% of credit union members who do personal banking under the Valley First banner would most likely recommend us to a friend or family member
• 90% of clients would most likely recommend our insurance services to a friend or family member
• 3,418 net new members joined Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union
• 82% of our credit union members state we are better than other companies they regularly use for products and services
• 631 members referred a friend or family member through our Referral Perks program

Member Highlights

• Completed conversions to a new banking system and state-of-the-art insurance broker management system that will boost efficiency in service and position us well for the banking and insurance advancements of the future
• Launched our new StepUp® term deposits
• Helped members get a jump start on saving for next year's TFSA contribution by launching the Early Bird Account™
• Piloted the DASHBAND™ wearable payment accessory for people who need a convenient payment method to fit their lifestyle
• Expanded our business banking advisor team in the Central and North Okanagan
• Increasing our ability to provide wealth solutions to members by licensing even more personal bankers
• Completed our Orchard Plaza renovation making it our largest retail-only branch, with a modern, high-tech experience featuring a full array of retail banking and wealth management services
• Partnered with business members to deliver more community programs and reach more residents across our trade areas
• Provided more small business members a greater voice by featuring them in our ongoing business member profile series
• Strengthened sports tourism in the Okanagan by remaining title sponsors of the Valley First Challenge Penticton Canada event

Community partnerships drive local social innovation

At Valley First, being a community supporter means more than just writing cheques. It means taking the next step in community investment and finding the right opportunities and partnerships that allow us to make a real difference in the communities we serve.

In 2015, we were proud to renew our presenting sponsorship of the social innovation competition known as ChangeUP. Dubbed the “Social Dragons’ Den,” the ChangeUP event sees local organizations pitch their social projects to a live audience. Unlike the traditional Dragons’ Den, the winning idea isn’t the one with the most business merit, but the one that has the potential to deliver the biggest social impact.

The brainchild of Kelowna-based Okanagan Changemakers—a volunteer organization dedicated to driving innovative and sustainable social change—the 2015 ChangeUP event attracted 21 applications from various organizations, six of which went on to compete for cash and in-kind services required to bring their ideas to life or develop them further. The winning pitch came from Kelowna’s Soil Mate for its web-based application that connects people with healthy, sustainable food options in their communities.

For Valley First, it’s tremendous to see our partnerships adding to a higher level of social change.

As a volunteer organization, Okanagan Changemakers knows events like ChangeUP and the programs they uncover are often impossible to deliver without support from the business community.

“As a small group of volunteers, Okanagan Changemakers relies on like-minded organizations like Valley First to help us create a broad community of changemakers,” says Okanagan Changemakers’ Mary-Jane Slavin. “Valley First’s extensive reach in the Okanagan and its commitment to community investment aligns perfectly with Changemakers’ mission to be catalysts for change. We are very grateful for their support.”

Valley First’s Drew Geldart says that partnering with organizations focused on social change and community building allows Valley First to make an even bigger impact. Unlike a one-time donation, fostering a true partnership yields results now and into the future.

“Valley First is a proud supporter of non-profit and charitable organizations throughout the communities it serves,” he says. “It was great to be a part of ChangeUP as it was a real opportunity to support future leaders in the community who are striving for positive social change.”

Community Investment: By the Numbers

• $956,978 donated to worthy causes and organizations in our local communities
• 810 hours of employee time donated through Valley First’s employee volunteerism program
• $233,347 raised and 2,769 pounds of food collected for Feed the Valley and our 11 local food banks
• More than $7,173 of in-kind contributions to charitable partners
• $23,500 contributed to students’ post-secondary education through the Valley First Education Award program
• $30,000 pledged to local charities and community organizations by employees as part of our Employee Giving campaign
• $5,977 donated to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in our annual campaign, bringing our total giving since 2007 to more than $43,787
• Our Make a Difference Days program contributed over 236 volunteer hours to 14 projects in seven Valley First communities
• 20 free concerts for local residents through the Valley First Music in the Park series in Armstrong, Kelowna’s Legacy Park series and Oliver’s Concert in the Park series
• PowerPlay Young Entrepreneur® program in Kamloops, West Kelowna and Kelowna, with more than 100 students participating
• More than 50 staff volunteered and participated in the Valley First Challenge Penticton triathlon
• Contributed $10,000 to the capital campaign of Lake Country Food Assistance Society

2015 Community Partners

Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, is a proud participant of London Benchmarking Group (Canada), a growing group of companies committed to maximizing the value of their community investment—for community partners and for business. Our community investment results are based on London Benchmarking Group (Canada) valuation principles.

Changing with the times is an essential part of what we do, but knowledgeable, friendly service is something that never gets left behind. We also never change for the sake of change. For us to introduce something new it has to do one of two things: make things simpler for members or make things simpler for our employees.

Providing financial services is only part of the Enderby & District Financial story. Playing an active role in the development of the local community is something we have done since 1947—and 2015 was certainly no exception.

In particular, I would like to point out that the community endowment established when Enderby & District Financial joined First West back in 2013 is now making important investments in Enderby and district communities through grant funding for local organizations and initiatives. This year the total amount of grant money distributed from the Enderby Financial Community Endowment was more than $21,000.

After another successful year in the long history of Enderby & District Financial, I’d like to extend a special thank you to the team at Enderby and all the First West Credit Union members who do business with them. We’ve come a long way and marking another successful year is a reflection of your continued patronage. Thank you for your support and here’s to another exciting year together in 2016.

Stepping up when members need it most

For almost 30 years, the Riverfront Pub on the shores of the Shuswap River has been an institution for locals and visitors alike. Chance Temple took over the business 10 years ago and, although he can smile easily now, keeping the beer flowing during those 10 years hasn’t been without incident.

“I bought the business from my dad in 2005. He owned the pub since 1998 and had always relied on Enderby & District Financial for his banking needs,” says Temple. “I had dealt with several other financial institutions in the past and it always felt pretty impersonal. I was living in Kelowna and although I had just arrived in the area, the Enderby team made me feel like a local from the first day I walked in the door.”

Three years after taking over the Riverfront, Temple almost saw his dream disappear when a massive fire completely destroyed the building in 2008.

“Insurance came up a little short and I put in all the savings I had, but I was still a little shy of what I needed,” he says. “I had a dream, a partially completed building and very little else to offer. Enderby & District Financial stepped up and allowed us to finish the building and get the coolers filled so we could open the doors.”

The fire is now a part of their history and the pub continues to be both a gathering place and strong supporter of the local community.

“We sponsor a lot of community events and charitable causes and being able to work with an organization that thinks the same way really separates them from other financial institutions,” says Temple.

He points out that Enderby & District Financial managed the account for his pub’s 2015 Rock Creek forest fire fundraiser, which ended up collecting $9,000 for the fire ravaged community.

“I know what it’s like to lose everything to fire and this was a cause close to my heart. It was just one more example of Enderby & District Financial stepping up when I needed a hand.”

By the Numbers

• 85% of credit union members who do personal banking under the Enderby & District Financial banner would most likely recommend us to a friend or family member
• 87% of credit union members at the Enderby branch state we are better than other companies they regularly use for products and services

Member Highlights

• MFDA certification of four team members boosted our team’s wealth management service to members
• Collected 675 pounds of food and $2,781 for the Feed Enderby and District Food Bank
• Raised more than 200 pounds of food and more than $1,000 for Enderby’s Food Action Committee through the second annual Starlight Drive-In – Feed the Valley movie night
• Helped Kingfisher Interpretive Centre advance environmental education through a $2,500 donation

Endowment funds provide a lasting legacy

The Enderby Financial Community Endowment was established in 2013 to provide funding for worthy community projects in Enderby and build a lasting legacy of our commitment to serving the Enderby community. We are excited to report that the amount of funds granted in 2015 rose by 15 per cent year-over-year to more than $21,000. These funds have now been distributed to five very deserving community organizations.

Our support for the fall field trips at the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre continued for another year. This community-based salmon hatchery and environmental education centre was established more than 30 years ago. Thanks in part to a grant from the endowment, the centre was able to host their annual fall field trips and experiential outdoor educational program for local school children.

The battle against hunger wages on across B.C. The Enderby Preschool Society, SD83 – A.L. Fortune Secondary School and the Food Action Society of the North Okanagan are all doing their part to win the fight. With endowment grant funding, they are able to operate several programs, including:

• free snacks and meals for at-risk children during the after school kid’s program,
• an elective course in local food strategies; and
• a program that teaches children how to prepare simple healthy snacks and meals, where food comes from, and how to make healthy choices.

Endowment funding has also helped the Family Support Program of the Enderby and District Community Resource Centre secure a social worker to support families in crisis or distress in our community with intense parenting support, referrals, crisis intervention, short-term counselling and life skills at no cost.

Community Investment: By the Numbers

• Nearly $87,169 invested back into Enderby and neighbouring communities
• $1,350 contributed to Success by 6
• $2,781 raised and 675 pounds of food collected for the Feed Enderby and District Food Bank
• More than $176 contributed to non-profit partners through employee volunteerism during working hours
• More than 200 attended our annual Starlight Drive-In – Feed the Valley movie night
• $7,500 contributed to students' post-secondary education through the Enderby & District Financial Education Award program
• $700 pledged to local charities and community organizations by employees as part of our Employee Giving campaign

2015 Community Partners

Throughout the year, Enderby & District Financial supports a variety of non-profit and charitable organizations. In 2015, our community partners included:

Enderby & District Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, is a proud participant of London Benchmarking Group (Canada), a growing group of companies committed to maximizing the value of their community investment—for community partners and for business. Our community investment results are based on London Benchmarking Group (Canada) valuation principles.

The Island Savings team hit the ground running on January 1, doubling our annual investment campaign goals by the end of February 2015 while preparing to launch both the Simply Free Account™ and the Unlimited Chequing for Business® low-fee product—promised benefits of our merger—three months ahead of schedule on April 1.

But joining First West is about so much more than best-in-class products. We gained the financial strength to serve the unique needs of growing Island businesses, investing even more back into our local economies as a result. And we gained more administrative support so that our branch-based employees could focus their time entirely on providing expert advice to our members. This personalized service experience is the root of our cooperative values. It’s what makes us different from banks and the reason we’re able to make a meaningful difference in the financial lives of the Islanders we serve. In 2015, service improvements included a new member onboarding program, the launch of our Financial Snapshot survey to insurance clients and the rollout of ‘Ask-An-Expert’ technology across our branch network. In 2016, we’ll take our service promise a step further by improving our members’ borrowing experience and building an in-depth advisory strategy that touches every line of business.

So to all of you who do business with Island Savings, thank you again for trusting us with your ‘yes’ vote in 2014 to make our merger with First West possible. Thank you for keeping your money local by bringing even more of your business into our branches. And thank you for helping shape our future. It is your trust, loyalty and dedication that makes the ongoing success of Island Savings’ possible.

Thank you for an incredible year.

Malahat First Nation: Passion for financial literacy led to an innovative partnership

Island Savings’ relationship with the Malahat First Nation began with a mutual passion to improve financial literacy across the Cowichan Valley. After ongoing support for the Malahat Kwunew Kwasun Cultural Resource Centre’s fundraising efforts over the past several years, Mill Bay branch manager Michelle Lancaster was asked to lead a workshop on basic budgeting for about 30 participants in the Malahat Nation’s Life Skills program earlier this year.

“I was so honoured to be asked to participate in this vital program,” says Lancaster. “By focusing on personal leadership, the Life Skills initiative has helped decrease the Nation’s dependency on social assistance by more than 60%.”

“I’m so impressed with the journey the Malahat people are on and I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to support their group in any way that I can.”

The Malahat First Nation has since become a member at our Mill Bay branch, seeking local advice on banking services, financing and structure during a year of major change and opportunity for this group.

"Our partners at Island Savings have provided the Nation with solid advice on our financial stewardship and have also taken time to invest in the lives of our citizens,” says Lawrence Lewis, CEO of the Malahat First Nation. “Through healthy and strong relationships, Island Savings staff have participated in the Nation’s LifeSkills program, working with our citizens on financial literacy, planning budgets and managing money—core skills necessary for being successful in life.”

“As the Malahat Nation continues on its journey of nation building we look forward to Island Savings walking beside us.”

By the Numbers

• 2,297 net new members joined Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, in 2015
• 87% of credit union members who do personal banking under the Island Savings banner say their experience in-branch is outstanding or very good. The same number holds for our business banking members, which puts us well ahead of the industry standards of 70%
• 88% of Island Savings’ insurance clients also rank their in-branch experience as outstanding or very good—compared to the industry benchmark of 67%
• 86% of wealth management members doing business through Island Savings would likely recommend their financial advisor to friends and family

Member Highlights

• Launched best-in-class demand products for personal and business banking members three months ahead of schedule
• Launched the Early Bird Account™, a unique new deposit product that gives members a high-interest head start on annual TFSA contributions
• Trialed the DASHBAND™ wearable payment accessory for people who need a convenient payment method to fit their lifestyle
• Launched our new StepUp® term deposits
• Rolled out Ask-An-Expert technology across our branch network to serve members from multiple lines of business in a single appointment
• Funded vital $10 million commercial lending deals in several communities, including Salt Spring, Victoria and the Cowichan Valley,
• Awarded ‘Best Business’ honours by both the WestShore and Salt Spring Island Chambers of Commerce in October 2015
• Improved the in-branch experience at our Woodgrove location with thoughtful renovations
• Introduced MemberDirect for Business, an enhanced version of online banking with improved functionality for larger Island businesses
• Introduced high-touch onboarding program for new members across branch network
• Implemented a new business insurance strategy that improved the mobility of our insurance specialists to better serve commercial clients

Lean experts help Big Brothers Big Sisters streamline match-making process

After seeing the benefits of greater efficiency and less waste, Island Savings began paying its new Lean training forward early in 2015.

Rita Cooper, a Lean greenbelt from Island Savings, and Ryan Visscher, a Lean blackbelt from First West’s Langley office, spent a week in January with Big Brothers Big Sisters’ (BBBS) Victoria chapter to help staff reduce the time it currently takes to match a child with a volunteer mentor—an administrative issue that the non-profit had tangled with for nearly five years. As an efficiency-finding program meant to streamlines processes, reduce waste and empower employees, Lean seemed like a great starting point for this BBBS chapter.

“It took us some time to determine that—lucky for us—volunteer recruitment is not our issue,” says Rhonda Brown, executive director with BBBS Victoria. “It’s process that’s our challenge.”

“Trying to balance customer service with child safety meant that most children are waiting to be paired with a Big for more than a year.”

Keeping the goal of safe and quick matching in mind, the partners held a week-long Lean workshop to unravel the organization’s current volunteer intake method and uncover the truly important parts of the process—including a realistic look at what the chapter’s staff could impact.

“We sorted habits out from practices that really make sense, laughing at the ‘no-brainers’ to create a number of quick-win solutions,” says Brown.

And the result of this heartfelt work? A local chapter that feels empowered to ask critical questions and improve their processes; a streamlined intake method that may ripple out to Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters across the country; and an even stronger bond between Island Savings and a dynamic community partner that our region has been learning from for years.

On the Islands, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ partnership with Island Savings has funded the organization’s In-School Mentoring Program, which helps children develop positive relationships, self-esteem and academic success. And what Big Brothers Big Sisters has taught us in return about service mentorship and acting local is truly invaluable. We’ve learned that a little time (and advice) between people who trust each other will make a real difference in the lives of children in the neighbourhoods each chapter serves. And we’ve learned that continuous improvement is really all about love for the work we do, the people we serve and the communities we live in.

Community Investment: By the Numbers

• $617,853 donated to worthy causes and organizations in our local communities
• $47,959 of in-kind contributions to charitable partners
• 53 community organizations received a combined total of $50,000 in financial support for local initiatives benefitting Island families through our Growing Island Families Together (GIFT) local giving program
• More than 4,943 hours volunteered by Island Savings staff supporting community partners throughout our region
• 602 hours of volunteerism with 20 non-profit agencies for our Make a Difference Days program on Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island
• 64 events attended by our Community Crew’s Youth Ambassadors, contributing 1,510 hours to non-profit and charitable organizations across the region
• 8 staff members served as Big Brothers Big Sisters In-School mentors providing a role model and friendship to elementary school students for one hour every week during the school year
• Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in the Island Savings region were able to reduce their waitlists and grow their In-School Mentoring program with 47 new adult or teen mentors

• 43 Island Savings Discover Theatre workshops were presented free of charge to more than 900 elementary and high school students throughout the Island Savings region through our partnership with the Chemainus Theatre Festival Society
• The Island Savings SportStart grant provided more than 420 children with free physical literacy workshops and sessions through our partnership with PISE. Support of their Teacher Mentorship program expanded into 10 elementary schools benefiting an additional 2,100 students
• $31,575 raised for the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island—benefiting children with disabilities and health challenges—through the Bayview Place Island Savings Open
• $3,055 donated to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in our annual campaign
• $17,800 contributed to students’ post-secondary education through partnerships with Vancouver Island University, Camosun College and the University of Victoria
• More than $27,821 pledged to local charities and community organizations by employees through our annual United Way employee giving campaign, monthly GIFT Jeans Days and in-branch fundraisers.

2015 Community Partners

Each year, Island Savings supports a variety of non-profit and charitable organizations in our communities. In 2015, our community partners included:

Through the Island Savings Growing Island Families Together (GIFT) local giving program, an additional 124 community organizations received financial and/or in kind support through employee giving and engagement practices:

Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, is a proud participant of London Benchmarking Group (Canada), a growing group of companies committed to maximizing the value of their community investment—for community partners and for business. Our community investment results are based on London Benchmarking Group (Canada) valuation principles.