Clearwater - In the month of December, Interior Savings’ Spread the Joy campaign raised $35,000 for local food banks in addition to many donations of food, supplies and warm clothing from members and employees.
“Sharing our success, and ensuring the communities we serve are healthy and thriving, is foundational to who we are as a Credit Union,” said Barry Meckler, CEO of Interior Savings. “Every year our 400 plus employees and almost 80,000 members raise thousands of dollars in cash and in-kind donations for those in need. This past year we launched the Spread the Joy campaign to make an even bigger impact, and it worked. Funds raised exceeded targets by over 15 per cent.”
All 21 branches collected donations to benefit a variety of local charities and, corporately, Interior Savings pledged $2 to a local food bank for every member who made an online bill payment in December and $10 for every member who signed up for online banking. With overwhelming support from employees and members, the credit union saw record levels of online activity in December.
By way of a poll, employees selected food banks as the beneficiary for this fundraiser.
“Times are tough right now and food banks are one organization that can benefit everyone,” said Carrie Weninger, teller at Interior Savings’ Clearwater branch. “It feels good to know that we’re helping someone; even if they never know where it came from. Last year, our branch adopted a family in need unanimously. We bought presents and food to fill a hamper for them for Christmas Day.”
$1,060 will be presented to the Clearwater and District Food Bank as a result of the Spread the Joy Promotion. In addition, donations will be presented to food banks in each of Interior Savings’ 14 communities this month which comes at a time of year when donations to these organizations typically drop off dramatically.
Through their own efforts each year, Interior Savings’ employees raise over $50,000 collectively for the community. That is in addition to the annual community investment made corporately through sponsorships, bursaries and donations, which in 2010, was well over $400,000.
Interior Savings Credit Union is the largest credit union based in the Interior of BC with assets exceeding $1.9 billion. Through its 21 branches, 15 insurance offices, and two Commercial Services Centers, the credit union offers personal and commercial banking and a full range of insurance and wealth management services to members in 14 communities.