We live and work in Niagara, so it’s important for us to support local, not-for-profit organizations and community events that help keep Niagara strong and vibrant. Through our community investment program, we provide sponsorships and donations to educational, environmental and social service organizations as well as minor youth sports teams across the Peninsula. Our employees are also community leaders in Niagara, serving as event planners, board directors and nutrition program assistants. We encourage all of our employees to get involved to help make Niagara a better place to live and grow.
PenFinancial Credit Union has been part of the social fabric of the Niagara Region for over 60 years, making donations to organizations, sponsoring events, volunteering time and raising money. Within our Community Investment Program, we have three investment pillars including:
Environment:
GreenSaver Home Improvement Loan
In an effort to encourage our members to help make Niagara a little greener and save a little green along the way, our GreenSaver Home Improvement Loan provides low interest green loans to help finance the recommended changes you need to make to make your home more energy efficient. We’ve partnered with GreenSaver Niagara, so when you book an energy audit through them, you’ll receive a customized report prioritizing upgrade recommendations that will save you money and qualify for government rebates. Plus, PenFinancial Credit Union will reimburse you for your audit assessment when you book your audit through GreenSaver Niagara!
Climate Action Niagara
We are proud to partner with Climate Action Niagara, a not-for-profit organization committed to water, waste and energy reductions, increasing the urban forest canopy, and education of issues relating to climate change. We are proud to sponsor Climate Action Niagara’s annual Eco Fest Niagara and Earth Day events.
Education:
Business Education Council
Through the Business Education Council of Niagara, we support a variety of programs including Teen Esteem, Take Our Kids to Work Day and have formalized partnerships with Alexandra and McCauley Schools in St. Catharines and Empire School in Welland.
http://www.becon.org/
Niagara Nutrition Partners
PenFinancial Credit Union supports the Niagara Nutrition Partners (NNP)through monetary investments and employee volunteers. The NNP is a region wide initiative that provides the community with opportunities to develop and co-ordinate breakfast, lunch or snack programs in DSBN and NCSSB schools. Niagara Nutrition Partners support over 200 nutrition programs in the Niagara region, giving students an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.
http://www.communitycarestca.ca/page/Niagara_Nutrition_Partners
Scholarships
Each spring, we invite Niagara students to apply for the PenFinancial Video Scholarship Award. Students are invited to prepare a 2 minute video explaining why they’ve chosen their field of post-secondary study. One lucky student receives a $2,000 scholarship to assist with their educational expenses.
Students entering Niagara College’s Community Services field of study can apply for the PenFinancial Credit Union Scholarship, awarded through the Niagara College Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.niagaracollege.ca/finaid/
Social:
Random Acts of Kindness
From purchasing and delivering canned goods to the Open Arms Mission in Welland, to providing new linens for the women and children at the YWCA Niagara; our Random Acts of Kindness Program is driven and organized by our employees are always looking for ways to make a little difference in others’ lives. Check out our Facebook (link) and our Community Events section for some of the recent Random Acts across Niagara.
Skates for Kids
Our signature community program provides gently used skates to elementary schools in Niagara each fall, providing students with access to physical activity and programming within their school. Since the launch of the program in 2009; thanks to partnerships with local businesses and organizations, close to 1,000 pairs of skates have been donated to five elementary schools in Niagara. Our ultimate goal is for every elementary school in Niagara to have an inventory of skates to enable them to implement school wide skating programs. Check out our Skates for Kids Facebook and our Community Events section of this site for photos from our latest Skates for Kids Day.
