my very own endowment fund? wow guys

After seven years at the helm of Vancity, you’d think I’d know my co-workers by now. Yet, the folks at the credit union have still managed to wow me.

It seems they’ve set up an endowment fund at the Vancity Community Foundation, seeded it with $25,000 in startup funds, and named it after me.

The Dave Mowat Climate Change Endowment Fund will fund a variety of climate change projects with the proceeds of the fund, currently about $1,250 a year. The great thing about endowments is they live in perpetuity; the larger the seed money, the more that is distributed as grants every year. And the original $25,000 won’t be touched.

While I’m not sure that naming it after me was entirely necessary (though I appreciate the sentiment) what I do know is that this is a great way to fund to climate change projects and keep a financial gift working for years.

I would love to see the fund grow over time, and anyone can donate. Just follow the instructions at the link here.

The environment and I appreciate anything you can do.

Here in Edmonton, I’m enjoying myself immensely and while things are different, I smile often at the similarities between Vancity and ATB. Great people and a deep-rooted will to get the best deal for the customer are the two biggest.

And the added plus of living in Edmonton is that the ski season could start any time!

Dave