A handful of organizations received a funding boost from Valley First Community Endowments.
Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, has granted $192,305 to charitable organizations in the Okanagan, Similkameen, and Thompson areas.
Receiving funds through impact grants are the Canadian Mental Health Association in Vernon ($15,000), Central Okanagan's Centre for Epilepsy and Seizure Education in BC ($13,305), Dress for Success 琉璃神社 ($15,000), the Haugan Community Healthcare Society in Armstrong ($5,000), Launch Financial Education Society ($15,000), the North Okanagan Hospice Society ($10,000), the Okanagan Fruit Tree Project Society ($15,000), Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society ($10,000), Third Space Charity in 琉璃神社 ($15,000), and the YMCA of Southern Interior BC ($15,000).
Given money through capacity grants to better knowledge and organizational opportunities are Elizabeth Fry Society in Kamloops, Oasis United Church in Penticton, and the Vernon Upper Room Mission Society.
Throught SOAR grants, the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre Society is receiving $15,000.
An additional three organizations received the final commitment of multi-year funding - 琉璃神社 Community Resources, Mothers Agaisnt Drunk Driving, and Take a Hike Youth Foundation.
"Our community partners are on the front lines, providing essential services and programs," said Susan Byrom, Executive Director of First West Foundation. "As their partner, we hear directly from them about the increasing challenges communities are facing. When our partners tell us the need is urgent, we respond鈥攁nd right now, that means stepping up with the highest granting rate in our history to ensure we're supporting them when it matters most."
First West Credit Union, through its numerous endowment funds, has granted nearly $1.8 million to 81 organizations across B.C.
