Mar 17: Vancity to fund a non-profit’s $1-million dream

Vancouver, March 17, 2005 — A dream will come true this fall for a non-profit organization in our community. Vancity Credit Union is now accepting applications for this year’s $1-million Vancity award, the largest corporate gift of its kind in Canada.

Non-profit organizations in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Victoria are eligible to apply. Full details can be found at www.vancity.com/award. Deadline for applications is Monday, April 11, 5:00 pm. The winner will be announced in November.

Each year, Vancity gives a $1-million grant to a local non-profit to support a major project contributing to the social, environmental or economic well-being of the community.

Last year’s winner was the Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society in Surrey, which will break ground on its new residential facility this month. Other winners have included the Wish Drop-in Centre for its Downtown Eastside shelter, Vancouver East Cultural Centre for its facilities revitalization plan, and B.E.S.T. (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) for its recreational pathway initiative.

“We look at the Vancity Award as an investment in the dreams of both our members and our communities,” says Vancity Board of Directors Chair Elain Duvall. “It’s an investment we’re really proud of, because it pays off for everyone.”

Vancity is Canada’s largest credit union, with $10.5 billion in assets, more than 300,000 members, and 42 branches throughout Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria. Vancity was chosen as the best place to work in Canada for 2005 by Maclean’s Magazine as part of its annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers issue. 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 helping members and communities thrive and prosper.