East Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKC) has received 17 applications for its first ever Community Cash Awards, and will soon be announcing the six finalists.
EKC has created this unique event for local community groups as a chance to apply for funding creating awareness. Unlike other funding initiatives, the Community Cash Awards provides EKC members and members of the community an opportunity to “invest” in and select the award winners.
EKC CEO Jody Burk says the Community Cash Awards is aimed to develop healthy and diverse communities.
“We’re so impressed with the quality of the 17 applications we received for the first-ever Community Cash Awards,” Burk said. “It’s incredible how many community organizations are contributing to the creation of healthy and sustainable communities.
“It was difficult to select the six finalists, however we truly appreciate and thank all of the applicants for their efforts.”
The finalists will be announced after they have all been officially contacted.
Each of the Community Cash Award finalists will go to the next round which is to set up information tables to promote their organization and project at EKC’s branch of their choice April 5-9 and in Sparwood April 4 to 8 from 11am to 2 pm.
After showcasing their projects at EKC’s Cranbrook branch, all of the finalists will be invited to set up displays to promote their initiative at EKC’s Annual General Meeting taking place in Cranbrook on April 22 at the Heritage Inn. At the AGM, members, non-members and youth will receive EKC Community Cash to ‘invest’ with one or more of the community groups of their choice. Each of the groups will receive $500 for attending the AGM as well as the real cash equivalent to the Community Cash they accumulate throughout the event.
The group who receives the most Community Cash will also receive an additional $500 in funding.
“We’re excited that this process provides a fun and inclusive way to involve both EKC members as well as local youth and the community in selecting the Community Cash Award recipients,” Burk said.
During the meeting portion of the event a children’s movie will be shown in another room. Popcorn and limited supervision will be provided for those that would like to attend the meeting. Additional supervision by parents and or caregivers may be required. After the meeting all guests are invited back for the announcement of the winner of the Community Cash Awards.
EKC is advising that members, non-members, supporters and youth who wish to participate in investing ‘Community Cash’ to the award finalists must RSVP that they will attend the AGM by April 13 to Pam Pinch. (info below)
For more information on the Community Cash Awards please visit: www.ekccu.com/Personal/InOurCommunity/CommunityPrograms/EKCPrograms/CommunityCashAward/