The numbers are in, and for Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, 2018 will be remembered as a year of considerable progress in the fight against hunger across Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley communities.
In 2018, Envision Financial raised an impressive $106,580—the equivalent of 319,740 meals—and 6,300 lbs of food for The Full Cupboard, the credit union’s signature cause to raise food, funds and awareness for hunger-related issues. Donations were contributed directly to 11 food banks throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
“In B.C., close to 100,000 individuals use a food bank every month, and even more alarming, one in three is a child,” explains Laura Lansink, executive director with Food Banks BC.
“Included in that figure is one of the fastest growing groups: 10,000 seniors living on an inadequate fixed income who would be facing hunger if not for the efforts of their local food bank. Thanks to our partnership with Envision Financial, food banks in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are ensuring that no one in their community ever goes hungry.”
The Full Cupboard is a 10-year, $1 million commitment from Envision Financial that was launched in March 2013. Since inception, employees, members and community individuals have contributed $682,888, which is equal to 2,048,664 meals, and 78,832 lbs of food.
These contributions towards hunger-related causes are part of a bigger picture of community support at Envision Financial. Through 2018 the credit union invested $1,349,052 of total value to its local communities, the majority of these investments were made through sponsorships, philanthropic donations and community partnerships.
Employees also volunteered 5,044 hours of their time, both during and outside of working hours, toward community organizations as part of Lead Well, the credit union’s social vision that encourages leadership among employees by lending their time and talents to worthwhile causes.
Hope’s Envision Financial also supports a variety of local charities, events.