Last year’s Interior Savings “Big Day of Difference” made a big difference to the Ashcroft HUB Society, which received an afternoon of volunteer help from IS staff. Now Interior Savings is looking for local non-profit organizations that would like some help this year, when the Big Day of Difference takes place on October 20.
“This is the third year we’ve done it, and the day coincides with International Credit Union Day, ” says Gene Creelman, senior vice president of member and community engagement for Interior Savings Credit Union. On October 20, Interior Savings’ credit union and insurance branches will close early, and 500 employees will fan out across 14 communities to assist organizations that are helping build healthy and vibrant communities.
“Any non-profit group, whether registered or not, is eligible,” says Creelman. “We can help with yard work, painting, general chores; all the stuff people need doing but that gets put off. The type of weekend jobs you never get around to.” They can also help with anything from paperwork, computer work, and envelope-stuffing to assisting in food preparation. Groups that have been assisted in the past include boys’ and girls’ clubs, friendship centres, a therapeutic riding centre, and food banks.
Last year at the HUB, Interior Savings employees spent the afternoon doing yard work and washing walls and floors. They also presented the HUB with a cheque for $5,000, and while Creelman says there will not be cash presentations this year, employees are looking forward to helping out in their communities.
“When you get a number of bodies working together, it’s amazing what you can do in a short time. And it’s great to see all the excitement.”
Any eligible organizations that are interested in taking part in this year’s Big Day of Difference should e-mail Corinne Johnson at cjohnson@interiorsavings.com by September 16, and include details on what the project is and how many volunteers are needed. While Interior Savings might not be able to accommodate all the requests received, all organizations will be informed by September 30.
