Credit Union Drives Community Investment Initiative

Langley, B.C.On Friday, June 14, Maples Discovery Gardens Co-Op, one of Envision Financials community partners, was recognized by Concentra Financial as one of Canadas top credit union-driven community investment initiatives. Maples Discovery Gardens was named as recipient of a $10,000 donation through Concentras emPOWERING Your Communities campaign for its embodiment of co-operative values and demonstrating credit union leadership within the community. "We are very thankful to Concentra Financial for this amazing opportunity," says Shelley Besse, Envision Financial president. "This grant is an affirmation and testament to the commitment that Maples Discovery Gardens and Envision Financial have made to building strong, vibrant communities." "We are continually impressed and humbled by the quality of projects our credit union partners are leading across Canada," says Diane McLean AVP, Strategic Relationship Management for Concentra Financial. "Maples Discovery Gardens is no exception as they provide unique and important programs that touch the lives of many people throughout the Langley area. Envision Financial can be very proud of this partnership and the difference it is making in the community." In 2011 Envision Financial partnered with Maples Discovery Gardens and the Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) to launch Natures Classroom, an experiential learning program that offers local students, in grades three to seven, the opportunity to be stewards of the environment and community. Planting a variety of seeds in their garden, elementary students learn about soil and composting and food security. At harvest time, students give back to their community by donating their vegetables to the Langley Food Bank. With nearly 500 students having already participated, the impact of Natures Classroom is poised to "grow" even larger with the addition of the Wild Food Garden; a program which will expand the experiential learning opportunity to seniors, persons with disabilities and the community at large. "Through the Wild Food program participants will grow a wide variety of local species of edible plants, trees and berries," says Bruce Van Garderen, one of the founding directors of the Maples Discovery Gardens Co-op. "Like Natures Classroom, a percentage of the food grown will go to the Langley Food Bank as well as local seniors. The Wild Food program will build on the cooperative principles of collaboration, partnership, and sustainable development." Community members are invited out to enjoy the gardens at 7743 200 street in Langley and learn more about gardening, sustainable living and creating "a healthy community by nature."

�Photo: Students from Simonds Elementary help present $10,000 to Maples Discovery Gardens Co-op.

About Maples Discovery Gardens Co-op The Maples Discovery Gardens Co-op was incorporated as a community service cooperative in May 2009, with the purposes of encouraging interest groups and the community at large to participate in programs in order to advance and sustain health improvement, disease prevention, environmentally friendly activities, and providing produce and other products to be sold in local markets. The site is located within the bustle of the Willoughby neighbourhood in Langley, British Columbia. � About Envision Financial Envision Financial is a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third-largest credit union, with 40 branches and 28 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. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.