Fraser Valley, B.C. 16 community partners, 24 projects, 192 employees = 808 hours of volunteer service! Last week across British Columbia Envision Financial employees traded time at the office for the opportunity to make a difference in their community as part of Envisions seventh annual Make a Difference Days and what a week it was.
"Each year Make a Difference Days offers us an opportunity to tangibly show our commitment to improving the lives of our members and local communities," explains Envision Financial President, Shelley Besse. "Were also committed to keeping it simple. With the everyday demands of work and family life, finding time to volunteer in the community can be anything but simple. Make a Difference Days gives staff the opportunity to volunteer during work hours, providing them with insight into the social issues in our local communities and a chance to give back."
This years community volunteer service week involved 24 unique projects throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Kitimat for a total of 808 hours of service. Volunteers at all of the projectswhich included the Surrey Food Bank, SOS Childrens Village, Deltassist and the Gateway of Hope in Langley, amongst othersgave of their time in a number of ways including painting buildings, preparing meals and sorting and distributing food at community food banks.
"I have never been more soaked, dirty, muddy, and with tired muscles doing volunteer work before but had so much fun at the same time too," says Greg Christie, shared services development manager.�"I was glad to make a difference for the Sources food bank and look forward to the next Make a Difference Days event!"
"Volunteering at the Surrey Food Bank certainly opened my eyes to the great need in our own communities," says Mary Rose Evans, account support representative. "I truly enjoyed the experience and would definitely volunteer again."
"The generosity of the community was heartwarming," says Lois Wilkinson, Envision regional council vice-chair. "What a wonderful way to spend a Sat morning - amazing people, amazing community commitment and such a worthy cause."
"One of the best parts of Make a Difference Days is finding out just how easy it is to give back," says Jason Brown, communications program lead. "Community organizations appreciate anything you can do to support them, no matter how big or small."
"I had an amazing experience at the food bank," says Rebecca Walker, senior human resources business partner. "This was my first time at a food bank and it was very emotional for me to see how families have to struggle to get by and provide the basics I was humbled by the experience.�I had tears in my eyes a few times just thinking about how fortunate we all are."
Envision Financial is proud to contribute to valuable initiatives and causes focused on strengthening the voluntary sector through innovative opportunities, enhancing educational programs and creating healthier communities through local arts and culture partnerships. Since inception, Envision Financials Make Difference Days program has served 97 projects province wide with 4,075 community hours donated.
About Envision Financial
Envision Financial is a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third-largest credit union, with 40 branches and 29 insurance offices throughout the province operating under the Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial brands. Led by Launi Skinner, First West has $7.1 billion in assets under administration, more than 171,000 members and close to 1,300 employees. For eight years running, Envision was named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. For its extensive community involvement, Envision Financial is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.
Fraser Valley, B.C. 16 community partners, 24 projects, 192 employees = 808 hours of volunteer service! Last week across British Columbia Envision Financial employees traded time at the office for the opportunity to make a difference in their community as part of Envisions seventh annual Make a Difference Days and what a week it was.
"Each year Make a Difference Days offers us an opportunity to tangibly show our commitment to improving the lives of our members and local communities," explains Envision Financial President, Shelley Besse. "Were also committed to keeping it simple. With the everyday demands of work and family life, finding time to volunteer in the community can be anything but simple. Make a Difference Days gives staff the opportunity to volunteer during work hours, providing them with insight into the social issues in our local communities and a chance to give back."
This years community volunteer service week involved 24 unique projects throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Kitimat for a total of 808 hours of service. Volunteers at all of the projectswhich included the Surrey Food Bank, SOS Childrens Village, Deltassist and the Gateway of Hope in Langley, amongst othersgave of their time in a number of ways including painting buildings, preparing meals and sorting and distributing food at community food banks.
"I have never been more soaked, dirty, muddy, and with tired muscles doing volunteer work before but had so much fun at the same time too," says Greg Christie, shared services development manager.�"I was glad to make a difference for the Sources food bank and look forward to the next Make a Difference Days event!"
"Volunteering at the Surrey Food Bank certainly opened my eyes to the great need in our own communities," says Mary Rose Evans, account support representative. "I truly enjoyed the experience and would definitely volunteer again."
"The generosity of the community was heartwarming," says Lois Wilkinson, Envision regional council vice-chair. "What a wonderful way to spend a Sat morning - amazing people, amazing community commitment and such a worthy cause."
"One of the best parts of Make a Difference Days is finding out just how easy it is to give back," says Jason Brown, communications program lead. "Community organizations appreciate anything you can do to support them, no matter how big or small."
"I had an amazing experience at the food bank," says Rebecca Walker, senior human resources business partner. "This was my first time at a food bank and it was very emotional for me to see how families have to struggle to get by and provide the basics I was humbled by the experience.�I had tears in my eyes a few times just thinking about how fortunate we all are."
Envision Financial is proud to contribute to valuable initiatives and causes focused on strengthening the voluntary sector through innovative opportunities, enhancing educational programs and creating healthier communities through local arts and culture partnerships. Since inception, Envision Financials Make Difference Days program has served 97 projects province wide with 4,075 community hours donated.
About Envision Financial
Envision Financial is a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third-largest credit union, with 40 branches and 29 insurance offices throughout the province operating under the Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial brands. Led by Launi Skinner, First West has $7.1 billion in assets under administration, more than 171,000 members and close to 1,300 employees. For eight years running, Envision was named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. For its extensive community involvement, Envision Financial is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.