CSI’s goal is to ensure that no one in our community is left behind as a result of the financial impact of COVID-19. While our community was forced to lay off 27% of their staff in the first 3 weeks and another 44% are at risk, we know that the economy that they are creating is needed, now more than ever. We are committed to helping our community of changemakers thrive in the Next Economy. Now is the time for even more partnerships and creative solutions.
“As our financial partner, when VCIB called us to say that they are here for us now and in the future, I breathed a sigh of relief. When I told them of the impact on our members, they simply said, ‘We are in this together. Let’s build the Next Economy together.’ This is partnership. This is leadership. This is what change looks like! We couldn’t be happier or more grateful to be working with the amazing team at VCIB.”
— Tonya Surman, CEO of CSI
As Canada’s first and only values-driven bank, VCIB is committed to driving positive social, environmental, and economic change within the communities in which it operates. VCIB leverages the tools of finance to support social enterprises, non-profits, and purpose-driven organizations to innovate, grow, and spark change. Drawing on a shared vision for our world, VCIB and CSI have a strong bond: we are each working toward a sustainable and regenerative tomorrow – one that builds strong communities and healthy environments, and resilient people.
“Right now, VCIB is committed to focusing its resources on keeping Canadian communities and businesses financially resilient to the challenges of COVID-19. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our business landscape, and it’s through the support of social enterprises – like the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) – that these organizations have been able to grow and succeed.
That’s why VCIB is delighted to provide CSI with a $50,000 contribution. This donation will be used to offer rent relief and support to CSI member businesses, helping them to stay financially resilient, while also ensuring CSI can continue to create positive social change in its communities for the long-term.”
— Jake Stacey, Vice President of VCIB
With VCIB’s contribution, we can help support our members and community even more, ensuring that CSI can continue to catalyze, support, and inspire social innovation. This allows for a reinforced commitment to social mission programming, offered by CSI or by our members, which will help make the COVID-19 recovery swift, strong and heading in the right direction.
Restarting the economy — when it happens — will come in waves, a gradual reopening that will leave us all vulnerable for months ahead. Our Community Resilience Fund is an emergency measure to see us through this crisis. The fund describes what it truly means to rely on community: members helping members, and donors who believe in contributing to CSI to help us all get through this period. Help us match VCIB’s donation, because we’re in this together!
