Last week I had the immense honour of being awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, presented by Dan Huang-Taylor, Executive Director of Food Banks BC. I was deeply humbled to be recognized by Food Banks BC and Food Banks Canada in the category of Community Service and Philanthropy. Over the past 20 years with First West Credit Union, I have been incredibly fortunate to have my career aspirations, educational pursuits, and personal growth supported and celebrated by First West. First West has generously provided me with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in communities across BC. It is a privilege to support the many remarkable programs and partnerships that define First West’s community engagement. I am inspired by the dedication of Food Banks BC and its members. Their tireless efforts to increase access to healthy food and to innovate in support of client wellbeing is nothing short of extraordinary. As the need continues to grow, their commitment never wavers. I have not walked this path alone. The passion and generosity of First West team members across BC, our leadership, and our Board have been instrumental in supporting local food banks, our members, and our communities through challenging times. From the early days of Feed the Valley and The Full Cupboard, to our evolving understanding of food insecurity, we have seen how collective action can create lasting impact. I am deeply grateful for this honour - for the opportunities I have had, the experiences I have shared, and the partnerships that have shaped my journey. Thank you, Dan, thank you, First West and thank you to the hundreds of food bank team members and volunteers whose compassion and care strengthen our communities every day! First West Foundation Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union Enderby & District Financial, a division of First West CU Food Banks BC

At Chilliwack Hospice Society, small comforts can make a big difference. Through a generous $1,500 grant from the Chilliwack Foundation in fall 2024, the Society recently purchased and installed new fridges at both its main office on Vedder Road and at Thrifty Boutique, the Society’s social enterprise thrift store. These upgrades are already making a meaningful impact — both for people navigating grief and for the volunteers who give their time so generously. At Chilliwack Hospice Society, the new fridge enhances the experience of participants in grief support groups by making it easier to prepare and share meals. Whether it’s a pot of soup, a tray of sandwiches, or snacks and refreshments after a support session, food often plays a quiet but powerful role in creating connection and comfort. “Grief can feel incredibly isolating, but when people gather to cook or share a meal, it becomes easier to talk, to listen, and to simply be together,” said Sue Knott, Executive Director of Chilliwack Hospice Society. “These fridges may seem like a small upgrade, but it has already deepened the sense of community and care we strive to create in every one of our free programs.” One program already benefiting is the Men’s Cooking Group, held the last Saturday of each month from 5–7:00pm. Open to men who are grieving the death of someone in their lives, this casual, confidential evening of cooking and conversation invites participants to connect with others who are on their own grief journey. Whether you’re an experienced cook or looking to learn new skills, you’re welcome. To join the men’s cooking group or learn more, contact Lucy Fraser, MSW, Director of Programs, at (604) 795-4660 or lucy@chilliwackhospice.org. The fridge at Thrifty Boutique was purchased specifically for volunteer use. Volunteers play a vital role in the Boutique’s daily operations — from sorting donations and merchandising to assisting shoppers. With a dedicated space to store lunches, beverages, and treats, the new fridge is helping make their time at the store more enjoyable and comfortable. Chilliwack Hospice Society extends heartfelt thanks to the Distribution Committee of the Chilliwack Foundation for making these purchases possible and for its ongoing support of the Society’s work over the years.

Yesterday we said so long and thank you to our Foundation Board Chair, Richard Hill. With his demonstrated commitment to community, Richard joined the First West Foundation board in 2015, initially serving as Vice-Chair. In 2019 he stepped into the role of Chair, after serving alongside co-founding director Peter Podovinikoff. We didn’t know it at the time, but Richard quickly became our built-in First West Foundation ambassador in every room he entered, showcasing the work of the Foundation at every opportunity. His passion for his community still powers his warm, thoughtful and strategic approach to governance, business and life. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional leadership and for leaving a legacy of compassion and care for the communities we serve,” shared Susan Byrom, executive director of First West Foundation. “As you embark on your next adventure, we look forward to the exciting new chapters that await. It has been a tremendous pleasure,” she added. Thank you, Richard, for your legacy and leadership, for guiding us with unwavering dedication and for making a lasting impact on our Foundation and the communities we support. You will be missed!   Photo credit: Ladysmith Family and Friends Society Photo description: A group of four adults smiling, seated around a table with a young child held by one person, attending a tea party with wigs and props, in a child-care setting with children playing in the background.Yesterday we said so long and thank you to our Foundation Board Chair, Richard Hill. With his demonstrated commitment to community, Richard joined the First West Foundation board in 2015, initially serving as Vice-Chair. In 2019 he stepped into the role of Chair, after serving alongside co-founding director Peter Podovinikoff. We didn’t know it at the time, but Richard quickly became our built-in First West Foundation ambassador in every room he entered, showcasing the work of the Foundation at every opportunity. His passion for his community still powers his warm, thoughtful and strategic approach to governance, business and life. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional leadership and for leaving a legacy of compassion and care for the communities we serve,” shared Susan Byrom, executive director of First West Foundation. “As you embark on your next adventure, we look forward to the exciting new chapters that await. It has been a tremendous pleasure,” she added. Thank you, Richard, for your legacy and leadership, for guiding us with unwavering dedication and for making a lasting impact on our Foundation and the communities we support. You will be missed!   Photo credit: Ladysmith Family and Friends Society Photo description: A group of four adults smiling, seated around a table with a young child held by one person, attending a tea party with wigs and props, in a child-care setting with children playing in the background.

From May 4–10, 2025, Chilliwack Hospice Society joins organizations across Canada in recognizing National Hospice Palliative Care Week — a time to honour the importance of palliative care and raise awareness about the many ways it supports individuals and families facing serious illness. Led by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), this year’s theme, “Palliative Care is for You,” underscores that palliative care can begin at any stage of a life-limiting illness and be delivered in a wide range of settings — including at home, in hospital, in long-term care, or in the community. It is whole-person care that helps manage symptoms, ease suffering, and provide emotional and spiritual support. At Chilliwack Hospice Society, palliative patient visitation plays a vital role in delivering this compassionate care. Specially trained volunteers and professional staff provide one-on-one companionship to individuals receiving palliative care — offering a comforting presence at Cascade Hospice Residence, Chilliwack General Hospital, Bradley Centre, in care facilities, at the Hospice Society, and in private homes. “Palliative care improves the quality of life by addressing the person as a whole — not just the illness,” says Candice Quesnel, Palliative Services Manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “We are here to walk alongside people wherever they are in their journey. It’s never too early to consider palliative care. Our team provides comfort, support, and human connection every step of the way.” Chilliwack Hospice Society provides this program and many other palliative care support services at no cost and without the need for a referral. The organization is committed to ensuring individuals and families in Chilliwack and surrounding areas receive the care and support they need, when they need it most. To learn more about palliative care support, visit www.chilliwackhospice.org. Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

From now until July 31, we’ll donate $10 from every new BigSteelBox order to Habitat Canada, up to a total cash donation of $50,000! These funds will go directly towards helping Habitat for Humanity build safe and affordable homes for Canadian families in need. Learn more: https://www.bigsteelbox.com/habitat-for-humanity-partnership/