Christmas has come early for the Health Centre at Thompson Rivers University in Williams Lake with a hefty pledge by the Williams Lake and District Credit Union of $100,000 over the next 10 years to assist in the centre’s operation.
“Williams Lake and District Credit Union is pleased to be able to partner with Thompson Rivers University to offer this important service to Williams Lake and area,” CEO Jim Zimmerman said in announcing the donation.
“A commitment to social responsibility is one of the guiding principles of our business, and funding the Community Health Centre allows us to support two high priority areas — healthcare and education.”
TRU executive director Ray Sanders said the donation has resulted in renaming the health centre the Williams Lake and District Credit Union Community Health Centre.
“We are excited to partner with the community to offer services and programs that enrich the quality of life,” Sanders said. “We are grateful to all our partners and especially to those we celebrate today.”
Nurse practitioner Sandi Lachapelle, who manages the clinic, said the credit union responded after a call went out from TRU asking if anyone was interested in providing corporate sponsorship.
“They’ve been supportive since the beginning,” Lachapelle said. “They initially provided us with $3,000 to buy equipment when we first opened.”
The $10,000 a year from the credit union will help cover operational costs, she added.
The Williams Lake & District Credit Union Community Health Centre offers the community an alternative to going to the emergency room. It is also used for the university’s School of Nursing students to complete their clinical practice and learn about day-to-day operations in a health clinic.