LANGLEY, B.C. More than 24,000 pounds of locally-raised, organic free-range chicken are headed to local food banks courtesy of a longtime Fraser Valley organic farmer.
Corry Spitters, owner of Oranya Farms, got the idea to donate the chicken through his local financial institution, Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union.
"When I explained to Lisa Klee, my business banking expert at Envision Financial, that I had surplus product that I didnt want to go to waste," he says, "we got to talking about the Full Cupboard program supporting local food banks." Envision Financials The Full Cupboard program raises food, funds and awareness for local food banks through food and financial donations from First West Credit Union employees, members and community partners.
Spitters estimates the retail value of the chicken to be more than $113,000.
"Its premium product," Spitters says of the chicken. "Im pleased its going to local food banksEnvision Financial connected me to the right people, so the decision was easy."
The local food bank couldnt be happier about his decision.
"Sources of protein are the most expensive and challenging for our food bank to come by, especially early in the year, following the busy holiday season," says Bruce Strom, operations coordinator for the Sources Langley Food Bank. "Our clients have been so amazed and grateful to receive such a high quality product. Oranya Farms and Envision Financial has helped meet the needs for our most vulnerable families at a challenging time of year."
Food Banks BC executive director Laura Lansink is delighted B.C.s food producers take opportunities to join the fight against hunger.
"Food producers can make a tremendous difference for local food banks, simply because of the scale of their operations," says Lansink. "Were grateful for those that regularly support local food banks and would love to partner with more."
Now in its third year, The Full Cupboard program has raised more than $353,000 and collected more than 60,000 pounds of food for local food banks in the Lower Mainland and Kitimat.
"We get excited about this kind of thing," says Susan Byrom, senior manager of community investment at Envision Financial. "Its important to us that were nurturing connections between people in our communities and community organizations that are helping make a difference for those who are in need or vulnerable."
About Envision Financial
Envision Financial is a premier provider of banking, investment and insurance services for residents and businesses throughout the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and Kitimat regions. As a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third-largest credit union with 54 branches and 38 insurance offices throughout the province, Envision Financial brings innovative products, an extensive branch network and local decision making to the banking experience. Visit
envisionfinancial.ca. for more information.
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