Possibly one of the most overused phrases uttered by groups or businesses involved with charitable contributions to explain their motivation is “giving back to the community.”
And while those types of actions are commendable, what exactly does that commitment entail?
Does involvement in the organization being supported end as soon as the ink on the novelty-sized cheque dries?
For Vancity, established in 1946 as Vancouver City Savings Credit Union, the commitment goes much further than a simple catchphrase, said Sanjeet Rana, manager of the Blundell Centre branch, which opened its doors last November.
“We don’t just focus on granting; it’s a hands-together approach by learning how our team (branch employees) can get involved,” she said. “We take it to the next step; how can we support people, get involved and get our staff engaged?”
It’s a noble mission, but one that is underpinned by Vancity’s origins as a cooperative which includes investing in the communities it serves.
Rana said the way the Blundell branch was designed is testament to that commitment.
“We really wanted its physical elements to speak to our business model,” she said. “We also wanted it to create reflection of the community.”
Part of that was commissioning original artwork for the branch which included a hand-made, tile mosaic depicting maps of Lulu and Sea islands.
Some of the tiles bear historical images of local industry and culture — from vintage pictures of the fishing industry and aviation to agriculture and even horse racing at the old Lansdowne racetrack.
A white “X” on the mosaic marks the spot where the branch is located.
Rana, who grew up in Richmond and graduated from Steveston secondary, said clients like that geographic identifier because it gives them a sense of belonging.
“That allows them to share their stories with us,” she said.
Other spaces inside the 5,430-square-foot building houses some unique aspects that preach Vancity’s inclusive philosophy.
One example is the business showcase stand where local, small businesses owners, who do not have to be Vancity members, can set up their marketing material for a week for visitors to see when they enter.
Harkening back to Vancity’s notion of broad-based support, its assistance doesn’t end at just providing the business showcase stand.
“We work with them (small businesses) to market their material because a lot of times those smaller operations don’t necessarily know how to develop that showcase,” Rana said.
Another unique aspect is the Community Stage portion of the building — a self-contained, professionally equipped meeting space that is available to the community 24/7.
“Through feedback we got from community groups is that there isn’t a lot of accessible space that allows non-profit groups or businesses to meet in a professional working environment,” Rana said. “On average, we are seeing three to four groups a week use the space And that could be on a Friday night, or a Sunday morning. It can even be during the working hours of the branch.
“We’ve had local high schools students come out and work on a project. The Richmond Field Hockey Association, and the Hub Cycling group has held their monthly meetings here,” she said. “And it’s a really great way for me, as a branch manager, to get connected to what’s important to the community.”
Plus, even a simple, free service such as the branch’s coin counting machine right as you walk into the building expresses the outreach nature of the credit union.
“People can come in dump the coins in, get a receipt and you can either exchange with one of our tellers for cash, or deposit it into your account,” Rana said, adding the free service is open to all. “We’ve been getting a lot of non-profit groups, a lot of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides come in and use it.”
When it comes to the business of dollars and cents banking Vancity expresses its philosophy with some unique products.
One is called the Fair and Fast Loan which attempts to help break the cycle of payday loans which can often come with high interest terms.
“We try to help the marginalized population access money during a time that’s quite stressful for them,” Rana said. “Instead of them going to a cash store where they’re getting charged tremendous amounts of interest, we can provide them with low-dollar, low interest rate lending that will allow them to get to their next month.”
Affordable housing is another concern Vancity addresses and another product helps first-time buyers come up with half of their minimum, five per cent downpayment.
“Our sole purpose in our business model is to ensure that our economies, environment and communities are prosperous and growing,” Rana said. “At Vancity it’s very much seeking that triple bottom line; we look beyond profit. It’s more about people and ensuring that we have an environment where we can all thrive.”
And when a pen is put to signing a community grant cheque, Rana said Vancity carefully targets where its assistance can provide the best results.
“We look at social justice issues, affordable housing, anywhere we can help create that impact so we are all thriving.”
Recently, the Blundell branch provided $13,000 to Richmond Youth Services.
“We wanted to see where is this money going, and how can we help further that,” Rana said.
Since the money has been earmarked for the organization’s youth employment program, Vancity staff will assist, at no charge, on a financial literacy component.
“A lot of times youth will get their first job and not be sure how to save for their next month’s rent. We want to empower them to make good, financial decisions — anything from basic budgeting to how to build their credit rating,” Rana said.
“It’s important to engage people that their dollars do matter in order to build healthy communities and local economies,” she added. “We need to take those dollars an re-invest them back into the community.”
From interior design that includes a separate, public meeting space, to providing grants, the new Vancity branch at Blundell Centre is a strong reflection of the credit union’s philosophy of community involvement, says branch manager Sanjeet Rana.Photo by Philip Raphael/Richmond News
