Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union inLangley, British Columbia, is kicking off the holiday seasonby partnering with the local newspaper, the LangleyAdvance, to launch the Angel Tree program for a thirdconsecutive year.

First West Credit Union B.C.'s third-largest credit union, hasapproximately $6.6 billion in assets under administration and has37 branches and 29 insurance offices throughout the Lower Mainland,Fraser Valley, Kitimat and Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompsonregions.

Envision, as well as the Langley Advance head office,will display a decorated Christmas tree with angel ornaments, eachrepresenting a child, youth or senior in the local community. The community is encouraged to exchange an angel fromthe tree and return it with a new and unwrapped gift to anyparticipating location by Dec. 8. Some locations include AbbotsfordChristmas Bureau and Salvation Army of Abbotsford and MissionCommunity Services Society and Food Centre.

In addition to selecting an angel off each tree, people alsohave the option of selecting a tin can ornament off the tree, andreturning it with a non-perishable food item or cash donation.

“The statistics really speak to the need for this program,” saysSusan Byrom, manager of corporate citizenship at EnvisionFinancial. “One in five children in B.C. lives under the povertyline and this year alone, B.C. food banks served over 28,000 kids.That's why we are so proud of our Angel Tree Program.

“By participating, local residents have the opportunity to makethe holidays brighter for families, children and seniors in ourcommunities. In 2011 our Angel Tree program gave 600 Christmasgifts to residents in our local communities and this year we wantto give even more.”