Research shows that healthy starts in the early years lead to bright futures. This is something that credit unions in B.C. recognize and actively support.

Every year B.C. credit unions contribute 25 cents per member to the Success By 6 initiative, a unique partnership between United Ways of BC, Credit Unions of BC and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. This early childhood initiative is dedicated to providing all children in B.C. with a good start in life. In our region East Kootenay Community Credit Union members have contributed $17,500 to date to the Success By 6 initiative.

To thank and recognize credit unions for their support, a video has been created. This informative and creative video was officially launched December 1, Canada’s Giving Tuesday.

The video provides an overview of the unique Success By 6 Provincial Partnership in British Columbia, highlights the co-operative work being accomplished in communities across the province, and recognizes credit unions and their members for their continued support of the initiative over the past 12 years.

Highlights from the video include:

– Research shows that healthy starts in the early years lead to bright futures;

– Success By 6 supports families and young children by: Providing support and resources; Strengthening the connection between children and their caregivers; Building supportive communities; Emphasizing the importance of individual culture and heritage in a child’s life.

Each year Success By 6 funds over 350 programs and services impacting close to 30,000 children across B.C.

Every year B.C. credit unions contribute 25 cents per member, totaling $450,000 annually (which combines with funding from the Ministry of Children and Family Development and from local United Ways across the province).

B.C. credit unions have contributed more than $3 million to Success By 6 so far. Credit unions also give time, resources and business expertise by supporting local community Early Years planning.

“Credit unions across B.C. are happy to support this important initiative every year as one of the many ways they help their communities become strong and healthy,” said Kam Raman, Vice President, Member Relations and Trade Services, Central 1 Credit Union. “There are more than 1.9 million BC residents – one in three – who support this program as credit union members and help young children thrive.”

Success By 6 BC

Success By 6 in BC is a unique, joint initiative of United Ways, Credit Unions of BC, the BC Government through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), and Aboriginal and community leaders. The initiative is dedicated to ensuring that children ages new born to six have access to resources and programs that support their healthy growth and development.

Success By 6 builds child- and family-friendly communities through engaging citizens and funding programs that focus on literacy, nutrition, children’s play, parenting, family skills development and more.

The Goals of Success By 6 in British Columbia are to:

– Build community capacity that will support an accessible, comprehensive range of Early Childhood Development (ECD) services for children (0-6 years) and their families.

– Mobilize and leverage resources towards an accessible, comprehensive range of ECD services for children (0-6 years) and their families.

– Raise awareness of the importance of the early years and increase public support for ECD as a community priority.

– Mary Noble, Success By 6 Regional Coordinator East Kootenay

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