First West Credit Union Employees Pledge $77,000 to Local Charities

LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 14, 2012) - First West Credit Union employees, which includes Envision Financial and Valley First, have reinforced their passionate commitment to making a real difference in their communities by pledging more than $77,000 to local charities and community organizations in 2013.

"I am so proud of our employees," says First West CEO Launi Skinner. "They have demonstrated time and time again their commitment to supporting and giving back to our local communities. $77,000 will go a long way to making a positive and lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our regions."

Some of the causes that will benefit most from First West employees' generosity include Feed the Valley in the Okanagan, the United Way, Canuck Place Children's Hospice Abbotsford and food banks throughout the Fraser Valley and the Okanagan, Thompson and Similkameen valleys. Notably, employees have committed to regular payroll deductions that will exceed $77,000 over the next 12 months on top of other regular giving and volunteer programs.

First West employees don't hesitate to tell you why they give.

"A few years ago, the credit union enabled me to work for the United Way on loan," says Leona Fleck, branch manager. "That's where I came face-to-face with the need for and value of such support; it's where I learned that giving is a privilege-we GET to give."

For personal account manager Mellissa Gollan giving is very personal. "Growing up in a single-parent home, my mom always strove to provide my sister and me with the same quality of life as other kids, often having to work two jobs. Giving even a small amount from your pay cheque can have a big impact for local families."

Roger Houle, Valley First's head of business banking is also passionate about why he gives: "I give because I truly believe it's the right thing to do-it's really that simple."

The commitment to the health of the local community is not lost on First West Foundation: "The show of support is simply amazing," says Seline Kutan, executive director of the First West Foundation. "This isn't a corporate donation; these funds come directly off employee's pay cheques each month and will make a huge difference in our communities."

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 $6.6 billion in assets under administration, more than 169,000 members and close to 1,400 employees. It operates 37 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial and Valley First brands. For more information on First West Credit Union, visit www.firstwestcu.ca.

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