First West CU Employee Recognized as Community Hero
April 17, 2019
First West Credit Union executive and long-time community leader honoured with the 2019 SOURCES Community Hero Award
LANGLEY, B.C. – Susan Byrom, a long-time community champion and leader from First West Credit Union was awarded the SOURCES Community Hero Award this past weekend at Sources Foundation’s 24th annual fundraising gala.
Notably, Byrom is only the fourth recipient to receive this award, which was first presented in 2016. Since then, every year at its fundraising gala, the Sources Foundation has recognized an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to fostering social wellness in their community. Moreover, the recipient must have continually supported Sources Foundation and other community organizations, and demonstrated extraordinary compassion and talent to better their communities.
“What fantastic recognition for a true community hero,” says Launi Skinner, CEO of First West Credit Union. “Susan has tirelessly and selflessly given back to her community throughout her entire career and this recognition could not go to a more deserving recipient. She’s a champion for First West’s community investment programs and our First West Foundation, and makes a difference in our communities every day. I’m very proud to work alongside Susan as we continue to live out our Lead Well social vision to positively impact the communities we serve.”
“It’s a tremendous honour to receive the Community Hero Award,” says Susan Byrom, executive director, First West Community Investment and First West Foundation. “Every day I’m inspired by passionate people who serve our communities. Whether it’s at the board table or on the front-lines, volunteers are a vital resource for non-profit organizations.”
Byrom continues, “When I volunteer, I learn more, give more and get more from my experiences. I grow in my understanding of our charitable sector and what it means to be a good partner to those who are meeting the needs of the most vulnerable. Volunteering connects me to my community and I know by working together we can have a positive impact. Thank you to SourcesBC and the team for their commitment to our community.”
David Young, CEO of Sources Foundation shares, “We were extremely pleased to name Susan Byrom our Sources Community Hero this year. Susan has been a champion for us in Langley, Surrey, White Rock and beyond – and she epitomizes the elegance and grace with which First West Credit Union and its regional brand, Envision Financial, approaches their relationship with SOURCES and the community.”
For more information about Sources Foundation, visit www.sourcesfoundation.ca.
About First West Credit Union
First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia’s third-largest credit union with $10 billion in assets, nearly 250,000 members and more than 1,700 employees. It operates 52 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings brands. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union.