Together with Coastal Community Credit Union, Habitat is building homes, strengthening families, and inspiring local action across Vancouver Island North.

Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North is proud to formally celebrate a $100,000 donation from Coastal Community Credit Union — a powerful investment that is helping to build more affordable homes for local families in Campbell River and the Comox Valley.

Although the donation was made in 2024, Habitat delayed the public announcement to nurture this valued partnership and create a video tribute that captures the full story of Coastal Community’s support.

In this video, hear from Allyson Prescesky, Associate Vice-President of Community Impact and Corporate Communications, Habitat Executive Director, Jeff West, and a local homeowner about how this partnership is creating real change, one home at a time. Watch the video — and imagine what your organization could help us build next.

Supporting Our Initiatives With More Than a Donation

In addition to funding, Coastal Community has provided mortgage and financial literacy support to future Habitat homeowners and joined volunteers on the build site — turning team-building into real impact.

“This wasn’t just a gift — it was a commitment to community that we wanted to recognize in a meaningful way,” said Sara Lopez, Communications and Fundraising Director at Habitat for Humanity VIN. “Coastal Community’s support has brought us closer to our goals, not just financially, but by showing what strong local partnerships can accomplish.”

The donation is part of Coastal Community’s Sharing Our Success initiative, which has directed more than $1.6 million in special funding to community-based projects across Vancouver Island. With affordable housing a top concern for their members, the credit union is working to be part of the solution through impactful partnerships.

“We need to work together to create more affordable housing on the Island, and Habitat for Humanity is making a real difference,” said Allyson Prescesky, Associate Vice-President of Community Impact and Corporate Communications. “We’re proud to support their work and encourage other Island businesses and organizations to get involved.”

The $100,000 contribution not only supported Habitat’s multi-unit development in Courtenay, but will also help kick-off fundraising efforts for 461 Hilchey Road in Campbell River — part of an ambitious plan to build more homes for families in need of safe, stable housing.

Erika Nessman, Branch Manager at Coastal Community Credit Union, embraces Jessica and her son after presenting them with symbolic gifts at a Habitat Key Ceremony in Courtenay. Photo: Veronica Wills Photography

Learn more about how you can get involved. Get inspired, get involved, and support our next build on Vancouver Island North.

About Coastal Community

For over 75 years, Coastal Community has been passionate about helping Islanders improve their financial health and protect what’s important. This vision is why they have grown to be the largest financial services organization based on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. To help improve financial health, they offer a range of personal, business, and commercial banking and insurance services, as well as wealth management through Aviso Wealth. The Island communities are their homes, so they make decisions based on their knowledge of the local market, strengthening local economies.