Corporate Community of the Year Award

2024 Corporate Community of the Year Award Recipient 

Valley First, a Division of First West Credit Union

Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, has become a cornerstone of the Kelowna community through its impactful initiatives and programs.  The "Lead Well Employee Recognition" program stands out, encouraging employees to volunteer both professionally and personally. In 2024, employees logged 1,945 volunteer hours, and the First West Foundation awarded $40,698 to local charities. The "Feed the Valley" initiative has raised $3.1 million and collected 106,512 pounds of food since 2010, demonstrating Valley First's commitment to community well-being. 

In 2024, Valley First provided $106,900 in community partnerships and donations, $142,077 for the "Feed the Valley" initiative, and $163,200 to 17 charities through the First West Foundation Valley First Community Endowment. The organization supported various local groups, including Festivals Kelowna, Project Literacy, and the UBCO Research Centre. These contributions highlight Valley First's significant impact and engagement within the community. 

Valley First's commitment to community involvement extends beyond financial support. For nearly 80 years, volunteerism has been a cornerstone of its values. The organization embraces trust-based philanthropy, providing flexible resources to grantees and offering multi-year commitments to community partners. This approach supports stability, encourages innovation, and enables strategic planning for positive impact. 

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Award Criteria

• Awarded to a Kelowna business that has provided outstanding support for employee volunteerism in addition to financial contributions and initiatives having had a direct benefit on residents in Kelowna. 
• Selections are based on the business' volunteer support and/or financial contributions for the year 2023.
• Past information and history of community involvement may be included, but should primarily be regarding the current award year.