Ottawa, ON – December 21, 2022 – Alterna Savings is excited to announce the 2022 Financial Inclusion grant recipients. These grants support innovative programs that address Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion issues among underserved communities.

This year's two recipient organizations are Immigrant Women in Business (IWB), and NeighbourLink North York. A total of $41,500 was disbursed between these two organizations.

"We're honoured to support caring, innovative programs that help our communities prosper," says Rob Paterson, Alterna President and CEO. "At a time when many Canadians are feeling financially vulnerable, these Financial Literacy Grants allow us to work cooperatively with community organziations to support members of underserved communities through financial education and services that can empower them to build personal resilience and financial well-being. This in turn helps to strengthen the economic foundation of the entire community. "

About the 2022 grant recipients
Alterna Savings is committed to putting our profits to work through support for the communities we serve. Immigrant Women in Business (IWB)is a non-profit National Organization dedicated to assisting specifically, but not exclusively, women immigrants to navigate and succeed in their newly adopted Country of Canada. With over 70 Countries represented, their focus is to educate and provide the necessary tools for their members to become successful in their new homes and make a positive contribution as they begin their journey as proud Canadians. "We are delighted and appreciative of this grant from Alterna," says IWB Co-Founder & CEO Svetlana Ratnikova. "It will assist us in educating and training more immigrant women, allowing them a better life and helping them become proud and productive Canadian Citizens."

NeighbourLink North York's goal is to foster a resilient, sustainable and vibrant community where no one is left behind. This non-profit's two-pillar approach to community development combines community building with community care to allow individuals within their Neighbourhood Volunteer Network to find meaningful opportunities to contribute while providing support to those struggling with poverty and social isolation. "Thanks to Alterna's Financial Inclusion Grant Program, under-resourced mothers and youth in our neighbourhood will be able to make better financial decisions, effectively manage their debt, and be equipped to reach their financial goals." Says Maria Speare, Operations Manager, NeighbourLink North York.

To learn more about Alterna's Financial Inclusion Grant program, Community Financial Education Programs and other support and resources for Charitable and Non-profit organizations, visit alterna.ca.

About Alterna Savings
Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited (Alterna) has been the good in banking™ for over 110 years. Alterna is made up of Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alterna Bank.

As the first full-service, member-owned cooperative financial institution outside Quebec, Alterna Savings shares its expertise with 217,000 members through a network of 46 branches across Ontario, as well as call centre and digital channels. Members and customers also benefit from industry-leading online brokerage and investment management services and have access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs in North America with THE EXCHANGE Network in Canada and the Allpoint Network in the US.

Media Contact
LeeAnn Acton – Director, Communications
Alterna Savings | Alterna Bank
E: leeann.acton@alterna.ca