Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union in Langley, British Columbia, is kicking off the holiday season by partnering with the local newspaper, the Langley Advance, to launch the Angel Tree program for a third consecutive year.
First West Credit Union B.C.'s third-largest credit union, has approximately $6.6 billion in assets under administration and has 37 branches and 29 insurance offices throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Kitimat and Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson regions.
Envision, as well as the Langley Advance head office, will display a decorated Christmas tree with angel ornaments, each representing a child, youth or senior in the local community. The community is encouraged to exchange an angel from the tree and return it with a new and unwrapped gift to any participating location by Dec. 8. Some locations include Abbotsford Christmas Bureau and Salvation Army of Abbotsford and Mission Community Services Society and Food Centre.
In addition to selecting an angel off each tree, people also have the option of selecting a tin can ornament off the tree, and returning it with a non-perishable food item or cash donation.
“The statistics really speak to the need for this program,” says Susan Byrom, manager of corporate citizenship at Envision Financial. “One in five children in B.C. lives under the poverty line 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 make the holidays brighter for families, children and seniors in our communities. In 2011 our Angel Tree program gave 600 Christmas gifts to residents in our local communities and this year we want to give even more.”
