Community involvement projects are the most public expression of Central's corporate values. We understand the importance of contributing time, talent and funds to initiatives that directly benefit the Lower Mainland community.
Central's corporate philosophy of giving back to the community is reflected in the volunteerism encouraged among staff at all levels. Credit Union Central of British Columbia's sponsorships and volunteer projects are as varied in size and scope as the specific needs they address. These include:
- The BC Credit Union Centre for Excellence in Depression Research (VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation): Central has joined with 37 credit unions and five affiliated organizations and suppliers in a commitment of over $1 million dollars to support the Centre for Excellence in Depression Research through the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation. This Centre officially opened in May, 2004; its mandate is to conduct research into the diagnosis and treatment of depression and to educate the public about the disease, with a view to reducing the associated stigma and discrimination.
- Success By 6: Success by 6 is a community based partnership working to improve services for young children and families. It helps parents and communities create a healthy, nurturing environment for our youngest children, so that by age 6 they are physically, socially and emotionally ready to succeed in school. In BC, the Success by 6 partners include credit unions, the United Way, the BC Government through the Ministry for Children and Family Development and our communities. United Ways and credit unions in BC are working to match the BC Government's $10 million grant to the program through community and provincial fundraising efforts. More information on Success by 6®.
- The Annual United Way Campaign Fall Fundraising Drive: Central matches pledges raised by staff who stage a variety of events during the two-week event including a silent auction, 50-50 draws, food and book fairs, Jeans Days and sales of Central's Cooks in the Millennium book of staff recipes.
- The B.C. Children's Hospital: Pledges are collected for Central's softball team, which plays in the Children's Hospital Slo-Pitch tournament each summer, while a Jeans Day in April raises cash for the Children's Hospital Foundation.
- The Variety Club of BC: By donating the proceeds from its Gold Heart Campaign - in which gold hearts are sold at Central and BC credit unions on Valentine's Day - at a major charity gala in February.
Other initiatives include:
- YWCA of Greater Vancouver's Presents for Peace initiative.
- Quarterly Blood Bank Drives for the Canadian Blood Services.
- The Food Bank also receive staff donations at intervals throughout the year.
- charitable donations to various arts and children's organizations, including, St. James Community Service Society on Vancouver's downtown Eastside and numerous arts groups and sports teams in the Lower Mainland.
In addition, Central invests in the future through student grants and bursaries dispersed by the Credit Union Foundation of British Columbia. Incorporated in 1958, the Foundation provides grant-in-aid assistance to post secondary students for academic, technological or vocational training in BC.
Grants are also given to mature students upgrading their education to enter the work force. The Foundation is administered by a nine-member Board of elected volunteer Trustees responsible for the administration and investment of donations, capital grant contributions, memorials, gifts, bequests and trusts, and for the disbursement of income derived from capital as well as from donations.
