How one employee’s experience sparked a company’s compassion

A single experience can often ignite the path to transformation. For Coastal Community Credit Union (CCCU), that moment came after an employee stayed at Jeneece Place. It sparked a conversation about giving back within the organization.

The partnership was a natural fit, given the shared Vancouver Island roots of both CCCU and the Foundation.

“To see the care the home provides for families when they’re going through such an emergent and traumatic experience, we wanted to do anything we could to support,” said Allyson Prescesky, Associate Vice-President, Community Impact & Corporate Communications.

In 2011, CCCU started their Sunset Cinema Series, an outdoor family-friendly movie night. All proceeds from concession sales during the event are donated to the Foundation. Last year, they raised nearly $10,000.

CCCU supports us in other creative ways throughout the year. They’ve donated travel bottles of shampoo and conditioner and takeaway coffee cups for families at our homes away from home. Their employees also raise money for us through their “Fundraising Fridays” where employees donate to various charities in exchange for an opportunity to dress casually every Friday.

The connection deepened when CCCU’s Board of Directors allocated additional funds for community initiatives in 2022. Health care emerged as a top priority, and given their longstanding relationship with the Foundation, CCCU chose to support us with a substantial donation of $200,000.

“We believe in giving back and supporting Island communities. By supporting the Foundation, it takes off a bit of the financial burden families are facing in a health care emergency.”

Over the years, that support has added up to more than $253,000 for programs that support the health of Island kids. And we couldn’t be more grateful.