Thanks so much to FirstOntario Credit Union for your continued support as a "Distance Sponsor" of our annual fundraising event, "Coldest Night of The Year"! And this year we are thrilled to recognize your increased level of sponsorship to "Supporting Sponsor"! FirstOntario Credit Union staff have also supported this event through a walk Team, who've raised nearly $3000, walking 5 km each year for the past 3 years! We are so very grateful for your kindness! Start Me Up Niagara serves the most vulnerable people in our community, experiencing homelessness, mental health, and addiction issues. Your contributions through Coldest Night of The Year help us to continue this much-needed support and service to our community! Your partnership is invaluable!

“The work that the FirstOntario Blue Wave volunteers have been doing in the schools in Haldimand and Norfolk County has made the Student Nutrition Programs stronger and richer over the years. It has been really great to be able to say they are one of our partners in supporting the student’s health in our area.” -Sharon Smyth, Community Facilitator, Child Nutrition Network of Haldimand and Norfolk “They are wonderful! Blue Wave volunteers mean a lot to our breakfast program. All the kids really appreciate it.” Wendy Sullivan – Education Assistant and student nutrition program coordinator.

Niagara Nutrition Partners serves 17,000 students a healthy meal daily in 180 schools. For the past 5 years, FirstOntario has been instrumental in providing on-site support – with BlueWave teams cooking, preparing, and serving food in various school locations throughout Niagara. They also assist in coordinating and funding our Farm to School program. Each month, employees pick up and deliver bushels of apples direct to programs across the 12 municipalities we serve. Their commitment to ensuring local and fresh produce is available to students is imperative for the program to run. We truly value their provision! The FirstOntario team played a pivotal role in our response to the COVID-19 school closures. Their assistance allowed us to mobilize quickly and partner with other organizations to have food delivered directly to student doorsteps. During this challenging time, the true character of FirstOntario was evident – remarkable determination to help the community around them!