Canadian Western Bank (CWB) is launching a new campaign on Tuesday that could give clients a new incentive to invest in guaranteed investment certificates (GICs).

From Sept. 4th to Oct. 31st, the bank will be offering ‘Greater Interest GICs’– a special type of GIC in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. For every dollar clients invest in the Greater Interest GIC, CWB will make a corporate donation of 1/8% to the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in the community where the deposits were raised.

The GICs have a term of 18 months, and offer an interest rate of 2%.

CWB began partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2008, and has since donated more than $845,000 to help facilitate meaningful mentorship opportunities for Canada’s youth.

“Our clients, employees, and community partners rally around this campaign each year and are excited to see the positive benefits in their local communities,” says Angela Saveraux, CWB’s community investment manager. “The relationships we’ve built over the years have encouraged our organization to learn more about the important work being accomplished by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Canadian Western Bank believes in the value of mentoring and is proud to play a role in empowering Canada’s youth to reach their full potential.”

Two years ago, CWB broadened the distribution of its community-based GIC product to clients across Canada by offering the Key Giving GIC through CWB’s Internet banking division, Canadian Direct Financial (CDF). Based on every dollar that clients invest in the Key Giving GIC, CDF will make a donation of 1/8% to the national chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“We’re so happy to have such amazing support from our friends at CWB, who have helped us fund nearly 66,000 hours of mentoring over the past four years,” said Joel Porter, vice president of revenue development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. “This smart investment product makes sense on so many levels. Most importantly, it will assist us again this year in making permanent, positive change in the lives of so many kids.”

In addition to the overall campaign, CWB and Big Brothers Big Sisters are organizing a video contest for Big Brothers, Big Sisters and their matches. Applicants are being asked to submit a short video describing how they would take a greater interest in their community with a $2,500 grant from CWB.