This fall, two local non-profit agencies stand to benefit from a unique partnership between Envision Financial and Douglas College. It all started with an educational project piloted last year that provided academic research and problem solving to address the challenges facing local non-profit agencies. The program exposes students to the growing social sector and allows them to have hands-on learning experiences that will ultimately benefit the community. The goal of the program is to build vibrant communities and develop strong corporate citizens.
Following the success of the pilot project, Douglas College and Envision Financial are now accepting project proposals from local non-profit and charitable agencies that have a current operational or program need that could be addressed through academic research and problem solving by third and fourth year Douglas College students.
"Many non-profit agencies are stretched thin and don't have the time or expertise to research and develop new programs or marketing campaigns," says Susan Byrom, manager of corporate citizenship at Envision Financial. "This program fills that need while providing enriching learning opportunities for the students. At Envision, we want to make a meaningful difference in our local communities and this program allows us to do just that."
In April 2012, ten Douglas College students partnered with the Surrey Food Bank and Coquitlam Foundation.The marketing students developed strategies and visual imagery to increase awareness and engagement of youth through volunteering for the Surrey Food Bank. Marketing and computer sciences students worked to increase the awareness of the Coquitlam Foundation in Coquitlam, including the creation of an events planning guide, a plan for the organization's 20th anniversary gala, an overall marketing plan and strategy and an overhaul of the foundation's website.
"This unique project provides real business experience for students that add to their classroom learning, while the not-for-profits gain valuable business tools and strategies," says Hazel Postma, associate vice-president external relations. "Along with Envision Financial, we are pleased to provide two local non-profit agencies with the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2012/2013 project."
Local non-profits that would like to be considered as a community partner in the 2012/2013 Envision Financial and Douglas College community building program, should forward their expression of interest to Susan Byrom, manager, Corporate Citizenship at Envision Financial at [email protected]. Two local non-profit agencies will be chosen. A full list of criteria can be found here
About Envision Financial
Envision Financial is a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third-largest credit union with 37 branches and 29 insurance offices throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Kitimat and Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson regions. Led by Launi Skinner, First West has approximately $6.6 billion in assets under administration, over 169,000 members and nearly 1,400 employees. For eight years running, Envision was named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Envision is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. For more information, please visit envisionfinancial.ca.
About Douglas College
Douglas College one of the largest colleges in BC with more than 14,000 credit students and another 9,200 continuing education and contract training students. Douglas is a leader in international education with 1,000 international students as well as a range of international field schools, programs and practicums. It has nine degree programs and a range of certificate and diploma programs covering everything from business to nursing to animal health technology, including performing arts, sport science and hospitality management.
