News and Stories

What is your position/title and company, and what do you do there? Susan Byrom, Executive Director, Community Investment and First West Foundation

What is your position/title and company, and what do you do there? Ray Warren, Vice President Commercial Financial Services. As Vice President Commercial Banking for the Okanagan and West Kootenays, I lead a dynamic team of Relationship Account Managers, who work closely with clients in a collaborative manner to help them plan and achieve their business objectives. 

I owe a great deal to my parents, Eugene and Chris McFarlane. I was a shy child who lacked self-confidence and we were not well-off growing up in Windsor, ON in the 1950’s. Dad only made $1200 per year, but he and my mom were determined to help me gain skills to survive in an environment surrounded by water. They scrimped and saved $9 for a year’s membership in the Windsor YMCA. 

They’re so much more than a financial institution…they’re a credit union: a team comprised of dedicated staff and members who create local partnerships and truly make an impact in the lives of our community members.

Each year in December, residents and guests of the Missionwood Retirement Resort enjoy more than a holiday feast, they also help children and youth. At the 2018 Gift of Giving Luncheon, a record-breaking $6,300 was raised and donated to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

At the YMCA, we have a team of dedicated, passionate and caring staff and volunteers who work with individuals every day to prevent inactivity, social isolation and the effects of poverty. Understanding that we all have a role to play to help change lives for the better, our staff are also asked each year to give.