Giving back isn’t just something we do – it’s who we are.

That’s why you see Kootenay Savings involved in the community in so many ways – as a financial partner, community sponsor, local educator, enthusiastic fundraiser and dedicated volunteer. Through our philanthropy, we change lives. For example, the annual Women Creating Change “Stepping Out” Bursary makes career education more accessible to women living at or below the living wage. The $10,000 grant we gave to New Denver Affordable Housing helps provide homes for individuals and families who might otherwise have to leave the village to find suitable housing. And here are just a few more of the life-changing programs, people and projects we supported in 2021.

Kootenay Savings Community Foundation

Our Community Foundation awarded nearly $200,000 in grants, donations and bursaries over the year. One of the exceptional groups we teamed with is the Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association. It sends volunteer EMS physicians to some of the most critical 911 calls in the Kootenay region. The $10,000 grant we provided will help purchase state-of-the-art equipment to enable life-saving roadside interventions.

We were also thrilled to support the West Kootenay EcoSociety's Farms to Friends Program. Sourcing from local farms and producers, their volunteers deliver bags of fresh, healthy food to the doors of nearly 100 low-income seniors and families every week.

When it rains...

Responding to November's devastating storms, we donated $15,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to assist with flood relief and recovery efforts across the province.

Health is Wealth all year long.

The Kootenay Kids’ Calendar Contest marked our 20th year of calendar creativity. More than 1,400 students from 28 local schools took part in the contest and their artwork illustrates this special 2022 edition promoting health and wellness. Thanks again to all the young artists and teachers who participated and earned a healthy $500 for each school.

"Kootenay Savings' donation has been instrumental for our Shredology women’s skills progression workshops. You’ve helped our local shred community inspire women to push their edge in the outdoors on mountain bike, ski and snowboard."

– Lauren Powers and Stephanie Dupont, Directors, Shredology Association for Women

“Taking part in the many community events and projects in Kaslo has been greatly rewarding. This year I experienced what it was like to take charge of some of them. I am honoured to be recognized for this, and the bursary will be extremely helpful to me as I pursue a degree in Education.”

– Kepler Zuk, 2021 Community Champs Bursary Recipient

“Now our entire school community will have more access to outdoor learning and play opportunities that will support our mental health, physical well-being and academic success. Thank you for your support!”

– Tanya Hatalcik, Learning Services Teacher, Windermere Elementary School

Exercising generosity. Our $10,000 donation launched Selkirk College’s new multi-campus recreation program.

We pledged a total of $17,000 to our valued healthcare heroes in the East and West Kootenays.

Over $21,200 was donated to 25 worthy charities and non-profit groups through our 2021 Care Wear Program.

Spread the love. Each KSCU location was given $500 to donate to the local charity of their choice, a total of $9,500.

We gifted $58,150 in education and leadership awards to local high school and post-secondary students.

The grand total? In 2021, we invested $299,026 in our communities to make them more vibrant and sustainable.