Submitted. Credit unions across British Columbia rallied together this past year to raise close to $260,000 for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and announced their contribution during the live broadcast at BC Children’s Hospital’s Miracle Weekend in June.
“While our greatest achievement is helping children get the quality care they need –fundraising goals go beyond providing financial assistance to the Foundation. Our involvement builds community among our credit union peers.” says Val Mackey, Chair of the Credit Union Committee with the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and VP, Human Resources with Aldergrove Credit Union. “Some of us may compete in the marketplace but when we sit at the fundraising table together we are each other’s greatest allies because we understand that our impact is much more profound when we all work together.”
Fundraising activities take place throughout the year and include jeans days, raffles, pub nights, employee giving, corporate matches and a number of annual slo-pitch tournaments.
Credit unions in BC have proudly supported BC Children’s Hospital since 1985 and collectively they have contributed more than $3.5 million to support treatment for critically ill and injured children in British Columbia.
The funds raised by credit unions this year will be used in part to purchase two pieces of equipment for BC Children’s Hospital – an acute ventilator for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and a laser system for the Urology Department. The balance of their contributions will go toward the Excellence in Child Health Fund. This fund supports the purchase of other life-saving equipment, research into the treatment, prevention and cure of childhood diseases, and recruitment and educational programs for caregivers and programs across BC.
Prospera Credit Union’s Vice President of Personal Banking, Dan Whalley, has also stepped into the role of Miracle Weekend Vice-Chair for the coming year.
“I’m delighted to welcome Dan as Miracle Weekend vice-chair,” says Allen Bordeleau, Chair of the 2016 Miracle Weekend. “Dan is known for his longtime community service. Miracle Weekend supporters have proven they have the capacity to change lives and I know Dan will be just as impressed as I am with the dedication and generosity of British Columbians.”