PENTICTON – A local financial institution has stepped forward with an inspiring gift that will yield great returns for families in the South Okanagan.
The Summerland & District Credit Union (SDCU) announced a pledge of $5,000 to Little Learners Academy, the new child care centre at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus.
A fixture in the Okanagan since 1944, SDCU has helped individuals buy their first car or home, start a new business, send themselves and their children to college, and save for their futures. Their contribution to the child care centre’s fundraising campaign will support another of life’s firsts – a solid start to education for young learners.
A child care centre right on campus is a brilliant idea – both for students and the greater community, says Kelly Marshall, CEO of SDCU. She added it is easy to get behind a project that clearly addresses a community need for high quality child care in the South Okanagan.
The credit union has been a long-time investor in students at Okanagan College, with their philanthropic history dating back to 1989. In 2008, they established the Credit Union Foundation of BC – Summerland Credit Union Endowment, an annual bursary presented to a deserving student at the Penticton campus.
Eric Corneau, Okanagan College Regional Dean South Okanagan-Similkameen, expressed appreciation for the SDCU donation, as the support will help parents pursue higher education and better careers. The result will be stronger families and community.
SDCU is a single branch, independent credit union serving Summerland and the surrounding area. Marshall notes the donation to the Penticton child care centre aligns with the company’s commitment to support initiatives that benefit all residents in the region.
The Little Learners Academy opened in September and is operated through a partnership between Okanagan College and the Penticton and District Community Resources Society (PDCRS). Registration is open to families in the South Okanagan, including College students and employees.
Click here to make a donation or learn more about this innovative project.