Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, has officially opened its new location at 75 Cowichan Lake Rd. where the RBC branch was located before it closed last year.
To celebrate this occasion, Island Savings is donating $7,200 to the Lake Cowichan Food Bank Society to symbolize 72 years of serving the community.
“As a member-owned financial cooperative, we know how important it is to be a part of the social and economic fabric of the community and we’re thankful to our membership for enabling us to support the community in meaningful ways over the past 70 years,” says James Funfer, manager at Island Saving’s Lake Cowichan branch.
“We’re excited to reaffirm our commitment to Lake Cowichan with our new location which offers increased convenience and accessibility while maintaining the customized, trusted advice members expect.”
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In 2021 alone, Island Savings contributed more than $27,500 to charitable causes in the area through such programs as The Full Cupboard, Simple Generosity and the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, facilitated by First West Foundation.
The $7,200 food bank donation will go towards helping food security in the area.
“The beginning of this year has presented a big struggle to the food bank due to the unexpected need to find a new location once again, and [Island Savings’] donation and partnership with the Lake Cowichan Food Bank will be helpful,” said Anthony Robertson, president of the Lake Cowichan Food Bank Society.
“We thank Island Savings for always being there in our community supporting the many efforts of the many organizations like the Lake Cowichan Food Bank to be there for the people in need here at the lake.”
Island Savings’ former location at 38 King George St. was originally home to Lake Cowichan Credit Union that opened in 1950.
In 2005, Lake Cowichan Credit Union merged with Island Savings.