Peninsula Co-op and Island Savings join forces to support local food banks

Customer donations matched up to $10,000 as need for food bank support reaches record highs

Vancouver Island, BC, – Peninsula Co-op is proud to partner with Island Savings this February to support local food banks through a month-long donation drive, highlighting the power of cooperatives working together for the communities they serve.

Throughout the month of February, Peninsula Co-op team members will invite customers at checkout to add a donation to their purchase at any of Peninsula Co-op’s 17 Fuel and Convenience Centres, Food Centre, or any of the 10 The Liquor Co. 1977 locations. All customer donations support local food banks, and to help maximize community impact, Peninsula Co-op will match the first $10,000 in customer donations, effectively doubling support for local families facing food insecurity.

As a thank-you, Island Savings is contributing fifty $100 Peninsula Co-op gift cards, with every donation automatically earning one entry into the draw to win. Together, Peninsula Co-op and Island Savings are helping turn small acts of generosity into meaningful community support.

“This partnership with Island Savings reflects what co-operatives do best, coming together to support the well-being of our communities,” said Corey Gillon, CEO of Peninsula Co-op. “By working collaboratively, we’re able to amplify the generosity of our members and make a meaningful difference for local food banks — truly living our promise of making Every Day Made Better.”

Island Savings shares this commitment to community impact through co-operative values that prioritize people, connection, and collective action. “What we’re hearing from our food bank partners right now is that the need is higher than they’ve ever seen,” said Kendall Gross, President at Island Savings. “That’s why this partnership with Peninsula Co-op matters so much. When people chip in—even a little—it helps food banks keep up with the need and makes a real difference for families who are struggling.”

Food Banks BC recently reported that food bank visits in our province have surged 79% since 2019, with 1.3 million British Columbians—nearly one in four—now experiencing food insecurity. All funds raised throughout the campaign will support 12 local food banks, with members choosing which specific one they’d like to help, ensuring essential food resources remain available in their communities For more information, visit peninsulaco-op.com or follow Peninsula Co-op on social media for campaign updates.

About Peninsula Co-op

Peninsula Co-op is a member-owned co-operative serving Vancouver Island communities through fuel, food, and liquor services, while reinvesting in local initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing.

About Island Savings

Island Savings is a premier provider of banking and investment services for residents and businesses throughout Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. As a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.’s third-largest credit union with 45 branches throughout the province, Island Savings brings innovative products, an extensive branch network and local decision making to the banking experience. For more information on Island Savings, visit www.islandsavings.ca

Media Contact:

Brandi Natarelli
Community Relations Manager, Peninsula Co-op
250-544-2945
Community@peninsulaco-op.com