Edmonton-based Canadian Western Bank (CWB) Wednesday reported it made $1,040,668 in total donations made to children’s charities across Western Canada since 2008 as a result of The Greater Interest GIC campaigns. The one million-dollar milestone was surpassed in October 2012.
“We’re very excited to surpass this million-dollar mark for total donations made over the past five years as a result of The Greater Interest GIC,” said Angela Saveraux, CWB’s community investment manager. “This started as a unique way of giving back to our communities, and has since become an investment product that both our clients and employees look forward to every year.”
The Greater Interest GIC, offered annually in September and October, gives clients the opportunity to invest in a guaranteed investment product that offers a solid rate-of-return while also positively impacting their local community.
Based on every dollar invested in The Greater Interest GIC, CWB makes a donation of 1/8% to the local Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization in the community where the investment was made. As a result of the 2012 campaign, CWB will make a corporate donation of $195,000 to seventeen BBBS organizations from Vancouver Island to Winnipeg.
“CWB plays a vital role in helping our agencies build meaningful relationships with local youth,” said Joel Porter, vice president, revenue development, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. “With the dollars donated by CWB this year alone, BBBS agencies will be able to provide mentors and role models for nearly 400 higher-risk kids. CWB’s team understands our goals and they are highly engaged in helping us to achieve them.”