Penticton, B.C. Okanagan College students have been delivering Christmas cheer to unsuspecting Kelowna residents as part of a classroom assignment that blends new payment technology and random acts of kindness.
In partnership with Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, students from the colleges Enactus group were each asked to surprise and delight a stranger in their communities. The only guidelines required to complete the assignment pay for any random acts of kindness with a Valley First DASHBAND and record and share the interaction. The assignment can be viewed online on the
Valley First DASHBAND Youtube channel.
A DASHBAND is a wearable payment technology a wristband loaded with a pre-paid credit card and with a simple tap users can make on-the-go payments at any Paywave-enabled retailer. First West Credit Union, Valley Firsts parent company, was among the first financial institutions to trial wearable payment technology in Canada.
"Its been exciting to work to launch the trial of DASHBAND and learn how wearable technology can support peoples busy lives," says Valley Firsts Drew Geldart.
"Whats even more rewarding is seeing how people can use this technology to create social good. Joining forces with Enactus was an obvious choice for Valley First. Students are engaged, creative and often early-adopters of new technology. The stories they captured with their videos not only demonstrate how easy it is to pay with a DASHBAND, but are truly heartwarming, too."
While DASHBAND is currently in a trial-and-learn phase and not available to the general public, Valley First is confident some form of wearable payment technology will be offered in the future.
Enactus Okanagan College president Cassandra Lum echoed Clarks sentiments.
"Our team was thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with�Valley First," says Lum. "We both�work within our communities to empower the people we work with and enable change, making this a great fit! Assignment Happiness, was a great way to get in the spirit of giving, and try out this innovative new technology Valley First has developed."
You can see the entire collection of Assignment Happiness videos and vote for your favorites at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-naLXXnIhAzzgk-hNFfEjA
About Valley First
Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, offers British Columbians throughout the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys innovative products, an extensive branch network and local decision making. A leading employer in the region, the credit union also provides community investment with its signature cause Feed the Valley, which raises food, funds and awareness for food banks where Valley First operates.
