Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, recently received a $10,000 donation through Concentra’s emPOWERING Your Communities campaign for its innovative community program, The Full Cupboard.
The Full Cupboard was recognized as one of Canada’s top credit union-driven community investment initiatives for its embodiment of co-operative values and for demonstrating leadership within the community.
“Launched in 2011, emPOWERING enables Concentra to invest in multiple credit union-supported initiatives every year,” says Ken Kosolofski, Concentra President and CEO. He continued, “We want to partner with and support credit unions as they serve their local communities. Concentra has deep roots in the co-operative system, so it makes perfect sense to support our co-operative colleagues through emPOWERING.”
Established by Envision Financial in 2013, The Full Cupboard aims to raise food, funds and awareness for food banks in the Lower Mainland and Kitimat. Through this program, Envision Financial has committed to raising at least $1 million and 100,000 pounds of food for local food banks over 10 years. In the first three years of the program, The Full Cupboard has generated nearly $368,000 and over 60,000 pounds of food.
“The support The Full Cupboard has received from our employees, members and community partners has been truly remarkable,” said Susan Byrom, senior manager of community investment at Envision Financial. “We are so honoured that this initiative has been recognized as one of the leading credit-union programs in Canada and thankful for this grant from Concentra. The funds we receive will be equally divided between all 11 of The Full Cupboard’s food banks partners, including the Surrey Food Bank and Sources Food Bank, White Rock/South Surrey, making an immediate impact in our local communities.”
Community members can support The Full Cupboard by donating non-perishable food items or making cash donations at their nearest Envision Financial branch. All donations of more than $20 are tax-deductible. Donations can be made online as one-time contributions or through regular, pre-authorized payments at the Food Banks B.C. online donation portal at http://www.foodbanksbc.com/get-involved/thefullcupboard/