As well as a $50,000 gift to the United Way’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, Assiniboine Credit Union delivered locally-sourced food and other supplies directly to community organizations.
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Disruption and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic led to increased demand on local food banks. Recognizing this need, Westoba Credit Union responded by making sizable donations to food security programs in their communities.
During this effort, they soon realized the community of Glenboro, in which they operate, did not have an existing food security program. Employees and members of the local Westoba branch came together to determine how they could support the people of Glenboro in the absence of a local food bank. They reached out to food banks in surrounding communities to understand best practices and held an on-line meeting with local stakeholders in October to determine the path forward. The desire to move ahead was clear and shared by all involved. |
“We put together a committee, opened an account, and put the wheels of the food bank in motion,” says Karen Burton, Marketing & Community Relations Specialist at Westoba Credit Union. “We partnered with United Commercial Travelers (UCT) in December to do Christmas hampers, and our first delivery was January 6.”
In setting up this new program, sustainability over the long-term was important. Westoba wrote a grant application for the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund, a program that was designed to help communities support vulnerable populations during COVID-19.
In setting up this new program, sustainability over the long-term was important. Westoba wrote a grant application for the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund, a program that was designed to help communities support vulnerable populations during COVID-19.
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The application was approved. Thanks to a $75,000 grant that was awarded through the program, and the support of local volunteers, the food bank will remain a staple of the Glenboro community.
The food bank in Glenboro has had an impact beyond its local borders; people from Wawanesa, Cypress River, Ninette, Dunrea, Killarney and surrounding areas have also accessed the service since it opened. When asked about the key to getting a new food bank up and running, Burton’s response was humble: “All we did was bring the right people to the table. We had the skills on our staff to help make a difference, so we did not hesitate to act.” In early May, United Way of Winnipeg put out a call for donations to their COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Upon hearing the call, Assiniboine Credit Union answered and initiated a donation of $50,000. |
In the midst of the pandemic, employees and members of Westoba Credit Union were instrumental in establishing the ‘Sara’s Pantry’ food bank to serve Glenboro and surrounding communities.
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“We saw that as an effective way to get support out quickly to the organizations that needed it,” says Kevin Sitka, President and CEO of Assiniboine Credit Union. “But we also saw that some of our community partners were not on the initial list to receive those emergency funds — organizations we knew were doing great work in the community, like the Food 4 All Meal Program at Knox United Church, Sunshine House, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), the Bear Clan, and more.”
Assiniboine earmarked a further $10,000 to support those organizations. It didn’t stop there. Beyond the financial contribution, the credit union asked each organization what it needed most.
Assiniboine earmarked a further $10,000 to support those organizations. It didn’t stop there. Beyond the financial contribution, the credit union asked each organization what it needed most.
Assiniboine Credit Union delivered $1,000 worth of lunches from award-winning Diversity Food Services to Winnipeg’s SSCOPE Inc. (Self-Starting Creative Opportunities for People in Employment).
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“We tailored what we brought. Daniel McIntyre/St. Matthews Community Association needed items for their walk-up window — things like toothbrushes and juice boxes. Sunshine House was still cooking meals and needed bulk cooking and baking supplies. They also wanted some playing cards and board games. IRCOM said it was tough for newcomer families to get out with young children, so we focused on things like diapers, colouring books, toys, and other items for kids. We purchased halal meat for the Knox Food 4 All Meal Program.”
Assiniboine also considered how to maximize their purchasing power and spread it across local businesses as donations were provided. “The halal meat was purchased from a family business in Wolseley and many of the other items were bought from Red River Co-op. We also bought masks from The Cutting Edge, a social enterprise of the Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute, and had $1,000 worth of lunches delivered to Self-Starting Creative Opportunities for People in Employment (SSCOPE), from Diversity Food Services.” Cambrian Credit Union made sizeable donations to community support organizations, and proactively reached out to new community groups to forge new relationships and provide financial support. |
"Recognizing the needs that were heightened by the pandemic, we sought new opportunities to partner with organizations that were directly offering support. This included helping the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba to enhance their website outreach platform, the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre in support of their community hamper program, and NorWest Co-op Community Health, in support of the development of their new Youth Hub Centres. Overall, we gave back more than $400,000 to community organizations through corporate donations and sponsorship opportunities,” says David Mortimer, President and CEO of Cambrian Credit Union.
Assiniboine Credit Union also saw an opportunity to embrace Co-operative Principle #5, Education, Training and Information, while also providing something fun and entertaining for families and teachers. As students shifted to online learning, parents and teachers were looking for ways to engage students digitally. Assiniboine responded by launching the EVERFI Financial Bee.
Assiniboine Credit Union also saw an opportunity to embrace Co-operative Principle #5, Education, Training and Information, while also providing something fun and entertaining for families and teachers. As students shifted to online learning, parents and teachers were looking for ways to engage students digitally. Assiniboine responded by launching the EVERFI Financial Bee.
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A financial bee is like a spelling bee, but quizzes participants in financial knowledge rather than spelling.
Assiniboine partnered with education technology company EVERFI to deliver a slick digital experience for students and community stakeholders. Over 30 community partners and schools were involved in the Bee. “This presented a great opportunity for us to continue living our values and mission,” says Brendan Reimer Assiniboine Credit Union’s Strategic Partner, Values Based Banking. “We used the opportunity of disruption and the instant need for things to be done virtually, to pivot into a new way of engaging with members and our community.” To celebrate Manitoba’s 150th birthday, Fusion Credit Union had already planned to execute 150 acts of good to help their communities. The campaign, titled 150 Ways to Be Here for Good, saw Fusion staff members looking for ways to commit acts of good, though the COVID-19 pandemic changed their approach. “It was difficult to volunteer during the pandemic, and we saw this as an opportunity to get creative in our commitment,” Says Leanne DeVliegere, COO of Fusion. “We found many ways to help, such as dropping off much-needed items to a shelter, or positively impact our communities by picking up litter, planting trees, or helping to paint the local rink.” While the original goal was 150 acts throughout the year, Fusion staff followed through, surpassing the 150 mark, and continuing to do good in their communities in new and creative ways. |
EXAMPLES OF FUSION CREDIT UNION'S 'ACTS OF GOOD'No. 49: The Brandon branch donates items to the Women’s Resource Centre
No. 66: The Oak Lake branch delivers cookies to children at Oak Lake School & Daycare No. 88: A Fusion team member delivers a meal to a farmer during harvest No. 101: The Dauphin team cleans up Kinette Playground No. 124: Russell team members donate winter coats to Coats for Kids |