Valley First Supports Penticton Vees Championship Run

PENTICTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 28, 2012) - As part of Valley First's 65^th anniversary celebrations, and in recognition of the Penticton Vees' historic winning streak, Valley First has pledged its support to local amateur sports programs.

Valley First president Paulette Rennie announced Friday, the locally-based credit union will donate $65 to KidSport Penticton for every goal the Vees score until the end of the playoffs. The more goals the Vees score in their drive to the BC Hockey League championship, the more the community and its amateur athletes win. The donation campaign began this past weekend when the Vees scored six goals, netting $390 for KidSport.

"Like Valley First, the Vees are such a big part of Penticton," says Rennie. "By donating to KidSport for every goal the Vees score, we can help the next generation of Penticton athletes realize their dreams. The Vees are rewriting hockey history across Canada and we are thrilled to show our support."

Penticton Vees co-owner Frank Darin says Valley First's commitment and support of the Vees continues to be tremendous.

"Valley First has been a passionate supporter of the Penticton Vees for a long time," says Darin. "The Vees are working hard to create an atmosphere that involves the community. Having the support of our community partner, Valley First, will provide benefits and opportunities for many years to come."

Many young Penticton athletes have dreams of making it big on the ice or the playing field. To do so, they need the opportunity to participate and learn the lessons of both belonging and teamwork. This is where KidSport steps in.

"KidSport is setup to help those who don't have the means to access sporting programs on their own," explains KidSport Penticton chair Dave Lieskovsky. "It doesn't take a lot to put participation within everyone's reach. The support from Valley First will certainly provide opportunities many of us take for granted."

During 2011, Valley First and its employees donated more than $320,000 to various charities, events and community organizations as well as volunteering more than 1,000 hours of their own time. Additionally, Valley First strengthened its partnerships with local food banks, raising more than $100,000 through its Feed the Valley program.

Valley First is a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third-largest credit union, which has 37 branches and 29 insurance offices throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Kitimat and Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys. Led by Launi Skinner, First West has approximately $6.2 billion in assets under administration, 167,000 members and 1,300 employees.