Oct 25: Vancity/CareNet to Help Non-Profit...

Vancouver, October 25, 2000 - The elderly and persons with disabilities are among the special needs groups benefiting from a new partnership between Vancity Credit Union and CareNet - an Internet-based network providing a portal and e-business services for social service agencies around the province.

The partnership means that health, education and community groups - serving everyone from troubled youth to disadvantaged seniors -- will have direct specialized access to Vancity's financial expertise and superior service.

"At Vancity, we live our values in how we do business," said Vancity CEO Dave Mowat. "This partnership gives CareNet members access to products, services and expertise designed to meet the specific needs of the non-profit, social service community."

CareNet adapts the best e-business solutions to the needs of professional caregivers. It provides agencies with a range of products and services designed to enhance day-to-day operations, including:

• A secure communications environment through SPAN-BC linking agencies, clients and government.
• Accreditation support.
• The purchase power of pooled resources including Vancity financial services.
• A full range of electronic forms, covering everything from case management, human resources and payroll.
• E-commerce solutions like Vancity's on-line banking and financing;
• E-business functions including fundraising, registration, payment and purchasing.

" CareNet connects communities of care," said project manager Doug Walls. " Thanks to Vancity, CareNet will be better able to meet the operational and administrative needs of its member agencies. This means enhanced care for the people who rely on the services of community agencies." Vancity is Canada's largest credit union, with $6.4 billion in assets, 263,000 members, and 39 branches throughout Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria. Vancity owns Citizens Bank of Canada, serving members across the country by telephone, ATM, and the Internet. Both Vancity and Citizens Bank are guided by a commitment to corporate social responsibility, and to improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work.

CareNet Contact:
Cam Doré, President
CareNet Technology Society
(604) 856-3262