Yesterday we said so long and thank you to our Foundation Board Chair, Richard Hill. With his demonstrated commitment to community, Richard joined the First West Foundation board in 2015, initially serving as Vice-Chair. In 2019 he stepped into the role of Chair, after serving alongside co-founding director Peter Podovinikoff. We didn’t know it at the time, but Richard quickly became our built-in First West Foundation ambassador in every room he entered, showcasing the work of the Foundation at every opportunity. His passion for his community still powers his warm, thoughtful and strategic approach to governance, business and life. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional leadership and for leaving a legacy of compassion and care for the communities we serve,” shared Susan Byrom, executive director of First West Foundation. “As you embark on your next adventure, we look forward to the exciting new chapters that await. It has been a tremendous pleasure,” she added. Thank you, Richard, for your legacy and leadership, for guiding us with unwavering dedication and for making a lasting impact on our Foundation and the communities we support. You will be missed!   Photo credit: Ladysmith Family and Friends Society Photo description: A group of four adults smiling, seated around a table with a young child held by one person, attending a tea party with wigs and props, in a child-care setting with children playing in the background.

The SASCU Spellebrators were up bright and early for the annual Literacy Alliance Spelling Bee fundraiser this morning. A great event for a great cause - thanks for the fun! @shuswapliteracy #lassteambee #shuswapliteracy

From now until July 31, we’ll donate $10 from every new BigSteelBox order to Habitat Canada, up to a total cash donation of $50,000! These funds will go directly towards helping Habitat for Humanity build safe and affordable homes for Canadian families in need. Learn more: https://www.bigsteelbox.com/habitat-for-humanity-partnership/

As you may have heard, we’re celebrating National Volunteer Week! And as the philanthropic partner of First West Credit Union, we are thrilled to shout-out volunteering across all our divisions: Enderby & District Financial, a division of First West CU, Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union, and Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union. We believe in the power of giving back to our communities and during National Volunteer Week we celebrate the enormous contributions of our team members, who generously dedicate their time and talents to help communities flourish. In 2024, team members logged an impressive 6,831 hours – with 5,078 of those hours completed on their own time.   Our commitment to community leadership is part of our social vision, Lead Well, encouraging team members to engage in a broad range of community impact initiatives. Did you know? All team members can access paid time off to volunteer, partner with local charities and build long-lasting relationships.   Lead Well Champions are big volunteers, too! They are a home-grown, built-in cheering squad for our local Signature Cause programs, Feed the Valley & The Full Cupboard, raising food, funds and awareness for local food banks, from the inside out.   As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we thank our amazing volunteers for their commitment and care. Together, they are making a positive impact and helping communities flourish. Join us and be the change you wish to see in your community. Together, we're leading well!

Blue blitz!! Spreading the love and joy of spring into Armstrong… VF Armstrong loves our members and we are so thankful to be able to spread the love with some trees and wildflower Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union