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Social Purpose Organizations Recieve Nearly $100,000 in Support

Kelowna, BC | December 06, 2023

Interior Savings is set to invest $97,031 in local grants, helping community groups launch and expand much needed social programs. This December, the member-owned credit union will see 10 non-profit organizations benefit from the Community Investment Fund, creating impact across eight BC communities.

The Fund was started in 2007 as a way to give back to the community and has since invested over
$2 million in the form of local grants, helping support a variety of programs designed to create more inclusive and resilient communities. As many non-profits continue to feel the impact of inflation, the pandemic and wildfires, grants such as this play an important role in creating and expanding community services as needs mount.

“Investing in our communities is core to who we are as a cooperative organization”, says Brian Harris, CEO of Interior Savings. “The organizations receiving these grants are providing important services in our communities; services that are supporting those needing a helping hand; services that are creating connections and improving the wellbeing of our communities. We’re humbled by the commitment and tenacity of these groups to make a lasting difference.”

Grant applications were evaluated on their ability to have far-reaching and positive impact on the community and align with Interior Savings’ social impact goals including empowering young parents, maintaining mental wellness, supporting social connections, and fostering a strong local economy.

The 2023 beneficiaries receiving between $4,000 and $15,000 depending on the project scope and anticipated community impact, include:

  • Barriere & Area | First Responders Society, Critical Incident Stress Management program aimed at supporting mental wellness of its dedicated and tireless volunteers.
  • Chase | Chase and Area Family Services, Riverstone Family Resource Centre to create an
    inclusive resource space for new families dealing with the struggles of early years.
  • Kamloops | Brain Injury Association, Concussion Resource Centre focused on concussion
    support and awareness in dealing with the challenges faced by those who’ve sustained head
    injuries and their support networks.
  • Kamloops | Centre for Seniors Information, Cooking with Care program designed to create and
    nurture social connections, while increasing the physical and mental well-being among older
    adults.
  • Kamloops | Lil Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services, Kikekyelc Entrepreneurs
    program aimed at supporting the successful transition of Indigenous youth into adulthood
    through entrepreneurship.
  • Kelowna | Autism Okanagan, Digital Arts Club, a unique program to help neurodiverse youth
    learn graphic design, computer animation and video game development skills in a supportive
    and safe environment.
  • Lake Country | Art Gallery and Art House, Creative Wellness Initiative to fill a gap in community
    programs focused on removing barriers and helping people participate in the creation of art to
    build wellness and social connections.
  • Lillooet | Royal Canadian Legion Branch, Seniors & Technology Bridging the Gap program to
    support older adults overcome barriers to using technology, while maintaining and creating
    social connections.
  • Penticton | YMCA of Southern Okanagan, expansion of their Alternative Suspension Program, to
    better assist marginalized youth through an innovative approach that transforms traditional
    punitive systems into supported opportunities for growth and learning.
  • West Kelowna | Okanagan Regional Library Media Lab will feature a suite of resources and
    services to help businesses, entrepreneurs, older adults and students succeed in the digital age.


The people before profit approach Interior Savings has taken since opening their doors in 1939 has been
felt across BC, with the Community Investment Fund being a key pillar of their social impact strategy.

Read more about the 2023 projects funded and the local impact they have.

Discover how the Interior Savings Community Investment Fund supports our local communities.


About Interior Savings

Interior Savings is a member-owned, democratically controlled credit union dedicated to creating local money while helping to build vibrant communities. Through its 23 branches, 16 insurance offices, Member Service Centre, and two Commercial Service Centres, the Credit Union offers personal and commercial banking and a full range of insurance and wealth management services to more than 77,000 members across 15 BC interior communities. In the last 10 years, Interior Savings has returned $29 million to members through its Member Rewards Program and invested over $5 million in support of community programs. Learn more at interiorsavings.com, or visit Interior Savings on Facebook or Do Some Good.

For more information, please contact:

Corinne Johnson
Senior Manager, Marketing & Community Engagement
Interior Savings
T: 250.869.8320 
E: cjohnson@interiorsavings.com
www.interiorsavings.com