“I know I can say I’m thrilled to see FirstOntario Credit Union remain committed to SNP programs. I made the first presentation over 10 years ago to the Blue Wave team… just about volunteering in the program, and knew that once the employees got involved and felt the impact of the programs, they would indeed follow through with funding support, which they have done and continue to do.” -Darlene Edmonds, Food and Logistics Coordinator “FirstOntario Credit Union is a dedicated and highly-valued champion for the Student Nutrition Program. Their provision of Blue Wave volunteers has been incredibly beneficial for programs throughout our region, as it is an ongoing challenge to ensure that programs have adequate volunteers to meet the needs of students. If you could put a price on Blue Wave volunteers, they would be invaluable. Thank you FirstOntario Credit Union for your ongoing dedication and support.” -Tyler Arsenault, Regional Supervisor Student Nutrition Program

We are honored to have partnered with First Ontario Credit Union and the wonderful, committed and passionate group of Blue Wave volunteers. This year has been especially challenging for a small not for profit like ours to pivot our fundraising events into virtual events that everyone can support in a safe manner. The Blue Wave volunteers have "virtually" joined our committee's and helped to implement these changes. They have reached out to their networks to help us raise the needed sponsorship dollars, silent auction items and participated wherever we needed help. They are always professional and go well beyond our expectations. Thank you Blue Wave Volunteers - You are the Best!

FirstOntario Credit Union and it's staff played a pivotal role in our Foundation's fundraising efforts this past year. Their dedication and enthusiasm while selling 50/50 tickets during our home games helped make it possible for us to raise over $150,000 this past season. Their commitment to volunteerism and strengthening our community was evident each and every game. The money they helped raise was put towards our Breakfast Program which feeds children at 23 local high need schools every day. On behalf of the Hamilton Bulldogs Foundation, thank you for helping make a positive impact in our community.

“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.

We are most grateful for the support provided by First Ontario and their Blue Wave volunteers! Hands on help by way of painting at our facility, organizing successful food and toy drives. Participating in our Adopt A Family programs and this year making sure that children and teens would receive a gift by collecting gift cards as part of our adopt an angel holiday program. Our ability to assist those in need in our community is enhanced by the efforts, dedication and generosity of the Blue Wave Volunteers. The commitment by First Ontario in Supporting "their" community is certainly valued here at Community Care St. Catharines & Thorold. THANK YOU!

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!

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!

Thank you so much to FirstOntario Credit Union! Your commitment to our annual Strides For The General run/walk since 2017 has made a vital difference in enhancing patient care at Hamilton General Hospital, including the Regional Rehabilitation Centre. We are most appreciative to all the hardworking Blue Wave volunteers who support the event by giving their time on a Saturday. We are grateful to these friendly faces who help us register participants, hand out medals and provide directions to runners. We are proud to call FirstOntario Credit Union a partner of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. Thank you for supporting health care in our region.