Downtown Squamish BIA

Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association

SQUAMISH SAVINGS, A DIVISION OF VANCITY: SQUAMISH MURAL WALK SPONSORSHIP INTERVIEW

August 26, 2022News

The Squamish Mural Walk is a free, year-round self-guided tour of the murals in Downtown Squamish.

At the 2022 Squamish Mural Walk Festival, eleven new murals were added, many of them made possible by sponsors like Squamish Savings, A division of Vancity. We interviewed some of our 2022 Squamish Mural Walk Sponsors to find out why they chose to get involved and what they love about Downtown Squamish!

Squamish Savings, is a branch of Vancity Credit Union, based here in Squamish. First thing’s first, if you’re wondering how to become a member of Squamish Savings, it goes like this:

As a resident of the breathtakingly beautiful Sea to Sky Corridor, visit a Squamish Savings location, and they’ll walk you through the very straightforward membership requirements.

And if you’re wondering why you should become a member of Squamish Savings, it goes like this. As a member:

  • you are a valued part of the Vancity Group’s 410,000-member strong organization. This means, you benefit from the products and services of one of Canada’s 50 Best Corporate Citizens ;
  • your financial goals are our priority. And we aim to help you achieve them with a suite of offerings that strengthen the social, economic, and environmental well-being of our community;
  • you can take comfort knowing that – because we’re based where you are – decisions are made by the community, for the community. In particular, our focus is on youth, education, and the environment;
  • you decide who sits on the democratically-elected Vancity Board of Directors,
  • you – and the community at large – enjoy a share of our earnings by way of the Shared Success Program ;
  • you can be reassured that, amidst a world of change, we are committed to conducting business with integrity, innovation, and responsibility as outlined in the Vancity Group’s Statement of Values and Commitments.

 

We got a chance to ask Angel Clemente-Jones, Branch Manager a few questions about Squamish Savings and why they decided to get involved in the Squamish Mural Walk. 

Tell us about the services you offer to the community?

As part of the Vancity Group, Squamish Savings shares net profits with our members and the community every year through the Shared Success program.

As a financial institution, how we invest and operate affects your community’s well-being. It’s a responsibility that we take seriously. We multiply the power of members’ deposits by lending to and investing in local businesses, organizations, and initiatives that create positive economic, social and environmental impact.

Squamish Savings welcomes opportunities to work with local not-for-profit organizations and social enterprises, co-operatives, labor unions, and First Nation governments that align with our values. Opportunities considered for investment will focus on two areas where we feel we can make the most impact in creating healthy communities -building an inclusive and resilient local economy and environmental sustainability. These guiding principles are core to our vision, values, and mission as a member-owned financial co-operative.

What inspired you to want to be a part of the Squamish Mural Walk?

We believe in creating a sense of belonging and community. Art allows people from many walks of life to come together to enjoy it/interpret it. We were honoured to have been able to contribute an entire mural to the already vibrant neighborhood we live and work in.

What do you love most about the Squamish community?

I really enjoy the camaraderie that is so commonplace in Squamish. Everyone still greets one another as they cross paths. Overall people are happy living here and it truly shows. I love the many creative local businesses and the way the members of the community look out for one another’s well-being.

What is your personal favourite business in Downtown Squamish and why?

I am a big fan of Fox & Oak and so is the rest of my team. We try to get donuts from them regularly to support local and to satisfy our sweet teeth.

Anything else you would like to add?

Please stop by our branch at 1325 Pemberton Avenue anytime. We would love to meet you!

 

The best way to explore the Squamish Mural Walk in Downtown Squamish is by simply taking a stroll with this self-guided tour. Experience the diverse local cultures, history, and heritage of Squamish dating back to 2000 at your own pace while tagging #downtownSquamish and #SquamishMuralWalk with your favourite artists.