Like Santa, East Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKC) would like to highlight the importance of giving back and helping those less fortunate. EKC considers community giving as a yearlong commitment and is part of the cooperative spirit.

EKC’s most recent donation was $1,500 to Cranbrook Rotary to help it complete the washroom project in Rotary Park.

Mindy Atti, Branch Manager Cranbrook Branch supports the work done by Rotary. She states, “Rotary Park hosts multiple events and activities including the Remembrance Day Service, Farmers Market and children’s play area. We want to see the washroom completed and encourage local businesses and the public to buy a brick for $250.”

Sandy Zeznik, President of Cranbrook Rotary, was happy to receive six bricks or $1,500 from EKC.

“The City of Cranbrook, fellow Rotarians and the community have been very supportive to get the project to where it is at. The 960 square feet facility includes heated floors, storage area, baby change stations and is wheelchair accessible. Three separate washrooms for men, women, family /gender neutral. The new facility will also be kept open year round,” she stated.

“Why not give a brick for Christmas, especially if you have hard-to-buy-for people in your life,” Zeznik added.

Continuing in the spirit of giving, EKC’s Board of Directors just announced that once again it will be paying patronage rewards. As a cooperative, EKC shares its profits with its members. Members receive a portion of these profits, called patronage rewards, for their business held with EKC.

All members are eligible to receive patronage awards.  The amount awarded depends on each member’s individual activity with EKC.  For example, a member with their mortgage, RRSPs and accounts with EKC will receive more in patronage than a member who has a loan.

This year EKC has given back over $170,000 in patronage rewards, dividends, and community donations! Since 2000 EKC has shared $4.1 million with members and our communities.

Some EKC donations include:

– CBAL’s Raise a Reader in Cranbrook, Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie – $1,530

– The last Friday of each month, the staff pay $5 to wear jeans to work and the funds raised support local charities and organizations

– Cranbrook – Rotary Park Washrooms

– Elkford  – Elkford Minor Ball for hosting Provincials

– Fernie – Fernie Junior Tennis Tournament  and Fernie Kids Fest

– Sparwood – Annual December donation include the Food Bank, Toys for Tots, – Sparwood Random Act of Kindness

At EKC, we make local lending decisions, local policies, and we have a local Board of Directors.

Above photo – Left to Right – Mindy Atti, EKC Branch Manager, Santa, Sandy Zeznik President of Cranbrook Rotary, and Trena Neid EKC’s Mortgage Specialist.

EKC

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