Surrey, B.C: Coast Capital Savings’ 18th annual Charity Golf Tournament saw another successful year, raising $300,500 for mental health research initiatives. The annual event hit a milestone this year as total funds raised by the annual event hit the $3 million mark.
Coast Capital Savings is one of Canada’s most significant corporate community investors with 10 per cent of its bottom line invested into its communities annually. This year alone, that totals almost $6 million and more than $77 million since 2000.
With more than 200 participants, the sold-out tournament benefits the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, and raises funds to help support cutting-edge mental health research tailored to youth.
“Mental health research is more important than ever. With 10 to 20 per cent of Canadian youth affected by mental illness, 3.2 million Canadian teenagers are at risk of depression, but only one out of five youth in need of mental health services receive help,” says Calvin MacInnis, President and CEO at Coast Capital Savings. “Mental illness impacts not only youth, but their friends and family too. With the money raised this year we are able to support research initiatives that will improve many lives.”
In addition to raising funds for mental health research through the tournament, Coast Capital’s community investments support youth through its Youth Get It Community Investment Program. In 2018, the credit union invested $1.83M in community programs that help youth build a sense of community connection and decrease stress and depression.
Jeff Wong, Chief Digital, Information and Technology Officer and honourary chair of the 2019 tournament, stresses that the support of both individuals and businesses are crucial to the success of the tournament, held at Surrey’s Northview Golf and Country Club. He especially applauded the events sponsors, particularly the generous support of the event’s platinum sponsors: Desjardins, Landcor Data Corporation, PwC, SEI Industries Ltd, Valeyo and Worldsource Wealth Management.
“The fundraising success of this tournament would not be what it is without the amazing sponsor commitment we see year after year,” said Wong. “The sponsoring companies and participating golfers join us in a shared passion for raising awareness of mental health issues, advancing vital research, and helping young people and their families affected by mental illness.”
About Coast Capital Savings
Coast Capital Savings is Canada’s largest credit union by membership and B.C.’s first credit union to become a federal credit union. Owned by its 572,000 members, Coast Capital offers banking and investment services digitally and through its 52 branches in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Okanagan, and Vancouver Island regions of British Columbia. An Imagine Canada Caring Company and a Certified B Corporation in recognition of its social performance, Coast Capital invests 10 per cent of its bottom line in youth focused community organizations, programs, partnerships and events. The credit union has been recognized as one of Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures™, and holds a Best Managed Companies Platinum Club designation. Coast Capital has a history of introducing innovative products to help their members achieve financial wellbeing including Canada’s first free chequing account from a full-service financial institution and Help Extras®, enabling members to invest in their future. To learn more, visit coastcapitalsavings.com.
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