Surrey, B.C.: Thousands of British Columbians facing hard times will be able to fill their cupboards over the holidays thanks to Coast Capital’s $75,000 donation to Food Banks B.C.
The financial contribution from Coast Capital will be distributed across the communities where the B.C.-based credit union operates and benefit 18 food banks in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan.
According to Food Banks B.C., more than 103,000 people in the province use food banks each month, an increase of more than 32 per cent since 2008. In British Columbia, over 32 per cent of those who use food banks are children and youth. Over the holiday season, school meal programs are not operational, putting additional financial strain on the families who depend on these programs for their food security.
Maureen Young, acting director of community leadership at Coast Capital Savings said the credit union is making the donation to support those who need a little help over the holidays, including vulnerable young people.
“Community leadership is a pillar of Coast Capital’s corporate strategy,” Young explained. “Helping is part of our DNA and at this time of year, giving back is so important. Coast Capital’s donation to our local food banks helps ensure that these families can focus on enjoying time together over the holiday season instead of worrying about where their next meal is coming from.”
Laura Lansink, executive director of Food Banks BC, said support from corporate donors like Coast Capital is vital to the successful operation of food banks, especially when the food bank’s bulk buying power is considered.
“For every dollar donated, food banks are able to provide the equivalent of three nutritious meals to an individual at risk of hunger,” Lansink said. “This means that because of Coast Capital’s generous donation of $75,000, 150,000 individuals will not be facing an empty shelf. That gives us an exceptional boost in our ability to meet the needs of our members as demand grows over the holiday season.”
About Coast Capital
Coast Capital Savings is Canada’s largest credit union by membership, with over $20 billion in assets under administration. An Imagine Canada Caring Company, the credit union invested $5.6 million into local communities in 2016, focusing on empowering and engaging youth. Named a BC Top Employer in 2017, Coast Capital is also a member of Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club. It has 52 branches serving its 543,000 members in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Okanagan regions of British Columbia. Product innovations include Canada's first free chequing account from a full-service financial institution. To learn more, visit coastcapitalsavings.com.
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