Barriere Interior Savings, through the Community Investment Fund, is giving back to Barriere First Responders with a donation of $5,000. It will cover the costs to train four local first responders in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), which will allow them to share that knowledge with other first responders in the area.
In December, the member-owned Credit Union gave back to 10 non-profit organizations through the Community Investment Fund, impacting several B.C. communities, including Barriere, Kelowna, Lake Country, Lillooet, Penticton, and West Kelowna.
The fund was started in 2007 as a way to give back to communities. Since then, more than $2 million has been invested in the form of local grants, helping support a variety of programs designed to create more inclusive and resilient communities. As many non-profits continue to feel the impact of inflation, the pandemic, and wildfires, these grants are meant to create and expand community services.
Grant applications were evaluated on their ability to have positive impacts on the community and align with Interior Savings’ social impact goals. These include empowering young parents, maintaining mental wellness, supporting social connections, and contributing to a strong local economy.
“The Barriere First Responders were chosen based on the project scope and anticipated community impact to assist members of the organization taking CISM training aimed at supporting the mental wellness of its dedicated volunteers and the crucial role they play within the community,” said Lindsay Arcand, Interior Savings Branch Manager. “We are so thankful for their tireless efforts.”
