Valley First Credit Union along with philanthropic partner First West Foundation are donating $61,225 to 180 local charity organizations throughout the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson Valley regions, including $25,000 to Penticton’s Discovery House.
The money was raised as part of the #CommentsOfKindness program, which encouraged the public to show appreciation for local charities through Valley First’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. Each comment mentioning a charity contributed a $25 donation from First West Foundation, up to $2,500.
A cross-section of board members and employees considered 10 of the most supported charities for a $25,000 donation, which Discover House qualified for.
“We are trying to build a carriage house and this funding will be a great start towards construction,” Discovery House’s executive director Jerome Abraham said.
“Many people are on our waitlist for long-term care housing that will support their mental health,” Abraham continued.
Discovery House has two locations in Penticton and focuses on helping men overcome drug and alcohol addiction through addiction recovery services, housing, physical and mental health and wellbeing, education, advocacy, harm reduction and more.
“No one person should have to anguish in addictions to alcohol and drugs,” starts Discovery House’s vision. “We treat those who may also suffer from mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health issues.”
Valley First is a division of First West Credit Union, who all together donated $319,675 across 624 registered charities in areas served by subsidiaries Valley First, Island Savings, Envision Financial and Enderby & District Financial.
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