Credit Union Helping Local Non-Profits

Langley, B.C.This Fall, four local non-profit agencies stand to benefit from a unique partnership between Envision Financial and Douglas College. Launched in 2012, this innovative program pairs local non-profit agencies with student-led teams who help the agencies by applying academic research and problem solving skills to address challenges facing the non-profit agencies. The program exposes students to the growing social sector and allows them to have hands-on learning experiences that will ultimately benefit the community. Douglas College and Envision Financial are now accepting project proposals from local non-profit and charitable agencies that have a current operational or program need that the student teams could assist with. To date, five local non-profit agencies have benefitted from this program, including SOS Childrens Village BC, Sources Rent Bank and the Surrey Food Bank. "Many non-profit agencies are stretched thin and dont have the time or expertise to research and develop new programs or marketing campaigns," says Susan Byrom, manager of community investment at Envision Financial. "This program fills that need while providing enriched learning opportunities for the students. At Envision Financial, we want to make a meaningful difference in our local communities and this program allows us to do just that." "This unique project provides real business experience for students and adds to their classroom learning, while the non-profit agencies gain valuable business tools and strategies," says Hazel Postma, associate vice-president external relations. "Along with Envision Financial, we are pleased to provide four local non-profit agencies with the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2013/2014 project." Local non-profits that would like to be considered as a community partner in the 2013/2014 Envision Financial and Douglas College community building program, should forward their expression of interest by July 26, to Susan Byrom, manager, community investment at Envision Financial at sbyrom@envisionfinancial.ca. Four local non-profit agencies will be chosen. A full list of criteria can be found at https://www.envisionfinancial.ca/Personal/CorporateCitizenship/CommunityHighlights/. 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. For its extensive community involvement, Envision Financial is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. For more information, visit envisionfinancial.ca. About Douglas College Douglas College one of the largest colleges in BC with more than 14,500 credit students and another 9,200 continuing education and contract training students. Douglas is a leader in international education with 1,100 international students as well as a range of international field schools, programs and practicums. It has nine degree programs and a range of certificate and diploma programs covering everything from business to nursing to animal health technology, including performing arts, sport science and hospitality management.  

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