News and Media

East Kootenay Community Credit Union Donates $10,000 and Challenges Other Businesses

EKCCU has donated $10,000 to the Kimberley/Cranbrook 2008 BC Winter Games; $5,000 in cash and an additional $5,000 in kind. Several staff and their families are volunteering. Jody Burk, CEO of EKCCU is Director of Administration and four staff members are Key Chairs of various committees.

EKCCU challenges all businesses in the East Kootenay to get involved. Jody Burk, CEO says, ”Any dollar amount, volunteer time and donations of goods are appreciated Community involvement is really important to our staff and our communities, especially with such an exciting event. You feel proud to be living here and volunteering alongside so many fantastic people.” Anyone wishing to make a cash or in-kind donation may contact Erna Jensen Shill at 427-9330. All donations are recognized by the Friends of the Games Recognition Program.

BC Winter Games is February 21st to 24th 2008 and will involve 1900 athletes participating from all over BC in over 20 sports and 21 venues. Behind the scenes there are over 2500 volunteers. “Donations of cash or in kind products or services are needed to make our games a success”, commented Rob McIntyre, President, ”For us to host an event of this size, we need Kimberley and Cranbrook businesses to be involved. Any funds or in-kind products left after the games will go towards a legacy for our communities”.

Maria Kohlman, Director, Friends of the Games, who is responsible for cash and in kind donations says, “An important component of the games is the legacy. Any money raised, that is not used, will be left behind in the two host communities to support arts and sport. The Directorate for Friends of the Games is designed to drive the legacy fund by community participation. Plans for the legacy have not yet been decided however these dollars go directly to benefit the communities who host the Kimberley/ Cranbrook 2008 BC Winter Games.”

”Ultimately the games are about our youth and EKCCU is proud to be a part of the games and youth development. It is also an opportunity to highlight our great facilities and share our beautiful area with the rest of the province,” says Jody Burk of East Kootenay Community Credit Union.

Interested in volunteering for BC Winter Games?  You can register at www.bcgames.org or visit www.wintergames2008.com

Pictured from left to right: Jody Burk, Maria Kohlman, Diane Baher, Erna Jensen Shill, Doreen Carrick, and Marilyn Cumming