Tru Cooperative is strengthening communities across the North Okanagan through $82,000 in grants awarded this year by the Tru Charitable Foundation. 

Through its Valley First Regional Community Endowment, the Foundation is supporting local organizations addressing homelessness, youth, newcomer services, literacy, education and community well-being. Recipients include the Vernon Upper Room Mission Society, which received $15,000 to strengthen support for people experiencing poverty, homelessness and addiction. 

The grants are part of Tru Cooperative’s ongoing commitment to investing in the communities it serves and supporting organizations creating lasting local impact. 

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Source: Eagle Valley News 

$82K granted to North Okanagan charities 

A major boost to local charities is helping an array of causes in the area from the homeless to struggling youth and and more. 

Tru Charitable Foundation, formerly First West Foundation, has awarded $82,000 in grants so far this year to North Okanagan charities. 

Among this year’s recipients is the Vernon Upper Room Mission Society, one of several local organizations receiving support through the Foundation’s Valley First Regional Community Endowment. 

The Vernon Upper Room Mission Society received $15,000 to continue their mission of caring for and improving the lives of people living in poverty, homelessness or addiction in the community by providing a place of belonging and hope. 

Through drop-in programming, the Mission provides a safe welcoming space for guests each day with access to meals, clothing, showers, laundry services etc. It also has services such as housing support, a winter shelter program, emergency care, and health and wellness support. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for this investment in our mission. Strengthening our case management systems means we can better understand each guest’s journey, make evidence-based decisions, and continually improve the support we provide,” said Jacco de Vin, Mission Society executive director. “Ultimately, this will help more people move beyond homelessness, addiction, and poverty, toward lasting stability and hope.” 

The community of Enderby also received a big boost with $15,000 each for the Enderby and District Community Resource Centre, NexusBC, Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society and $10,000 to the WITS Programs Foundation plus $11,500 for A.L. Fortune Secondary. 

Armstrong’s Haugen Community Healthcare Society is a recipient of multi-year grants. 

The Allan Brooks Nature Centre received $20,000 to strengthen education programs for school kids. So did Vernon Immigration Services to support newcomers. 

In Vernon, the Take a Hike Foundation received $10,000 to empower vulnerable youth and help them succeed in school. 

“Strong communities are built by organizations that understand local needs and are deeply connected to the people they serve,” said Tracy Fortino, executive director of Tru Charitable Foundation. “We are proud to invest in the people and organizations working every day to create healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive communities. These grants are about more than funding projects—they’re about supporting lasting change and helping communities for generations to come.” 

Through its local brands — Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial — Tru Cooperative Bank has contributed more than $44 million back to local communities while cultivating a nationally recognized culture shaped by courageous leadership, authentic connection, and collective strength.