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East Kootenay Community Credit Union celebrates 70 years of service

The milestone was celebrated with $45,000 in additional community donations
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Jose Galdamez, EKC director presents a donation to Mike Robinson and Rob McKenzie from Kootenay KEYSA. (Photo Contributed)

The East Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKC) celebrated their seventieth anniversary on Dec. 14, honouring the achievement by announcing an additional $45,000 in community donations.

Of the total sum, $15,000 will be going towards the Foundry East Kootenay, supported by the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) and Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services.

Being one of the EKFH’s original Starlite campaign donors, the EKC recognizes the need to improve local healthcare services.

”Everyone knows somebody who has been touched by mental illness or substance use in our youth. Mental health concerns and substance use can affect any person from any background. It does not discriminate,” said Jane Davies, head of marketing and business development.

A further $15,000 will be going towards the Kootenay East Youth Soccer Association’s (KEYSA) Multi-Sport Indoor Facility, putting the EKC’s total donations to KEYSA at over $28,000.

“The project set out to improve access to indoor recreation, both in diversifying opportunity and proximity,” said Mike Robinson from KEYSA.

“EKC’s support exemplifies this theme perfectly by ensuring people with all mobility levels, from strollers to walkers, will have easy access to our facility.”

The final $15,000 will be donated to the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies to support Cranbrook’s Salvation Army food program.

According to Davies, the CFKR’s EKC Fund began in 2004 to support local Salvation Army food initiatives. Previous donations including the most recent one have grown the permanently invested fund to more than $130,000. The fund will give back over $2,500 in the coming year.

“The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies sincerely appreciate EKC’s vision and foresight in establishing this endowment fund,” said Michele Bates, CFKR board chair.

“By starting this fund and continuing to contribute to its growth, EKC has also inspired other community members to contribute to this cause through the annual Hometown For Hunger events at Denham Ford as well as a major gift from an anonymous community donor late last year.”

READ MORE: Over $150,000 raised for EKFH’s Not Alone Campaign



reporter@thefreepress.ca

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