Together with you, we’re able to make an incredible difference in the lives of people right here at home throughout the year. We do this by giving to causes and charities that help our communities thrive.   

Right now, we’re all working to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and its impact on our communities. Whether you’re staying at home to flatten the curve or buying local to help keep shops in your neighbourhood afloat, every little bit helps in the big picture.   

In addition to doing our part to keep our members and employees safe during COVID-19, we’ve taken swift action to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. First West Credit Union, of which Envision Financial is a division, has committed $285,073 in community investment dollars to organizations that are supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. This includes $64,450 in COVID-19 relief efforts in the Envision Financial region and $220,623 in funding to local non-profit and charitable partners. 

Our New Community Response Fund   

We see the struggle the charitable sector is facing. COVID-19 has increased the demand on services that support our community’s most vulnerable—and decreased non-profit resources to provide these supports. Sadly, this lack of resources is also limiting these organizations in their ability to fundraise for donations they desperately need.   

To address this, First West Foundation, philanthropic partner to Envision Financial, has launched its Community Response Fund, bestowing $600,000 in community grants to charities in regions served by First West. These grants are supporting charitable organizations focused on addressing food security and basic needs for youth, families and seniors impacted by COVID-19.   

Find out more about the Community Response Fund and apply online with our partner Do Some Good

Our New Community Help Fund   

As part of the Community Response Fund, First West Foundation has also launched the Community Help Fund, providing charities a boost to kickstart their fundraising efforts. Eligible organizations that complete a profile about their fundraising needs on Do Some Good—First West’s social impact technology partner—may be selected to receive one of 200 grants of $500 each.   

Find out more about the Community Help Fund and apply online with our partner Do Some Good

Fighting hunger with The Full Cupboard 

Because of the ongoing impact of COVID-19, our local food banks are under increasing stress. The need for food is rising. We recently committed $20,600 to food banks through The Full Cupboard to support COVID-19 response efforts. 

The Full Cupboard is Envision Financial’s signature cause—a community-based program established to raise food, funds and awareness about the critical issue of hunger in the communities where Envision Financial operates.  

Over 80,000 British Columbians accessed local food banks last year. One of every three was someone under the age of 18. Together with our employees, members and community partners, we raised $168,758, the equivalent of 506,274 meals for British Columbians. This year, we hope to generate even more.   

How you can help food banks during COVID-19 

If you want to join us in helping our food banks, donate online now or visit The Full Cupboard webpage for more details on how you can get involved. The great thing about The Full Cupboard is all food and funds collected in your community stay in your community. 
  

Support for other services  

The impacts of the coronavirus are not limited to just those who access food banks. We recognize that vulnerable people in different circumstances have different needs and face distinct risks.  We’re providing funds to other front-line services during COVID-19. Here are some of our current efforts that you’ve helped us make possible: 

• Abbotsford Community Foundation - Abbotsford COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund
• Kitimat General Hospital Foundation
• Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation - COVID-19 Relief Fund
• Peace Arch Hospital Foundation - COVID-19 Emergency Fund
• Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation - COVID-19 Response Fund
• SurreyCares Community Foundation - Surrey Community Relief Fund
  
  

Providing year-round support   

We’re in this together as your neighbours and friends. Some of these initiatives are new and a direct result of the pandemic. Acknowledging this time of need for everyone, we’re providing an early release of funds to our current community partners that we support year-round:   

• Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland 
• Langley School District Foundation 
• Langley Environmental Partners Society
• Nature's Classroom 
• The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope 
• Surrey School District 

We believe in the power of partnership, working together to achieve social impact and making a difference in our communities. Find out how you can become part of something bigger by looking at our Community Leadership page.