Together with you, we’re able to make an incredible difference in the lives of people right here at home throughout the year. We do this by giving to causes and charities that help our communities thrive.   

Right now, we’re all working to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and its impact on our communities. Whether you’re staying at home to flatten the curve or buying local to help keep shops in your neighbourhood afloat, every little bit helps in the big picture.   

In addition to doing our part to keep our members and employees safe during COVID-19, we’ve taken swift action to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. First West Credit Union, of which Island Savings is a division, has committed $200,200 in community investment dollars to organizations that are supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. This includes $61,603 in COVID-19 relief efforts in the Island Savings region and $141,607 in partnership funding for nonprofits and charities across the region.  

Our New Community Response Fund   

We see the struggle the charitable sector is facing. COVID-19 has increased the demand on services that support our community’s most vulnerable—and decreased non-profit resources to provide these supports. Sadly, this lack of resources is also limiting these organizations in their ability to fundraise for donations they desperately need.   

To address this, First West Foundation, philanthropic partner to Island Savings, has launched its Community Response Fund, bestowing $600,000 in community grants to charities in regions served by First West. These grants are supporting charitable organizations focused on addressing food security and basic needs for youth, families and seniors impacted by COVID-19.   

Find out more about the Community Response Fund and apply online with our partner Do Some Good

Our New Community Help Fund   

As part of the Community Response Fund, First West Foundation has also launched the Community Help Fund, providing charities a boost to kickstart their fundraising efforts. Eligible organizations that complete a profile about their fundraising needs on Do Some Good—First West’s social impact technology partner—may be selected to receive one of 200 grants of $500 each.   

Find out more about the Community Help Fund and apply online with our partner Do Some Good

Fighting hunger with The Full Cupboard 

Because of the ongoing impact of COVID-19, our local food banks are under increasing stress. The need for food is rising. We recently committed $23,000 to food banks through The Full Cupboard to support COVID-19 response efforts. 

The Full Cupboard is Island Savings' signature cause—a community-based program established to raise food, funds and awareness about the critical issue of childhood hunger in the communities where Island Savings operates. 

Over 80,000 British Columbians accessed local food banks last year. One of every three was someone under the age of 18. Together with our employees, members and community partners, we raised $77,500, the equivalent of 232,500 meals for British Columbians. This year, we hope to generate even more. 

How You Can Help Food Banks

During COVID-19 If you want to join us in helping our food banks, donate now or visit The Full Cupboard website for more details on how you can get involved. The great thing about The Full Cupboard is that all the food and funds collected in your community stay in your community. 

Support for Other Services 

The impacts of the coronavirus are not limited to just those who access food banks. We recognize that vulnerable people in different circumstances have different needs and face distinct risks.  

We’re providing funds to other front-line services during COVID-19. Here are some of our current efforts that you’ve helped us make possible within the past few weeks: 

• Coalition of Neighbourhood Houses – Food Access Programming  
• Cowichan Green Community’s COVID-19 Food Task Force
• Nanaimo Foundation’s Community Response Fund
• Salt Spring Island Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund
• Victoria Foundation’s Rapid Relief Fund
  
  

Providing Year-Round Support 

We’re in this together as your neighbours and friends. Some of these initiatives are new and a direct result of the pandemic. Acknowledging this time of need for everyone, we’re providing an early release of funds to our current community partners that we support year-round: 

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island
• Chemainus Theatre Festival Society
• Port Theatre Society
• Vancouver Island University Foundation

We believe in the power of partnership, working together to achieve social impact and making a difference in our communities. Find out how you can become part of something bigger by looking at our Community Leadership page.