We all see it – especially since the pandemic. There are people struggling in our communities. For some folks, just keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table can be exceptionally challenging. Food bank use across Waterloo region is at an all-time high, with a year-over-year increase of 89%. At any given time in Waterloo Region, over 1,000 people are unhoused. In today’s uncertain economy, we can be left wondering what we can do to help our neighbours.
Our members care deeply about their communities, and so do we. At Kindred, our shared purpose and values, as well as our heritage, make us who we are. We are rooted in our founders’ radical vision to see mutual aid put into faithful practice – individuals or groups bearing one another’s burdens, helping each other out in times of need, and in times of plenty. Simply put, it means supporting each other in community to achieve mutual wellbeing.
That’s why we are excited to announce the Community Inspiration GIC! Previously known as the Church Builder GIC, we’ve added some new, unique features to make an even greater impact.
For over 25 years, members have invested in Church Builder GICs, and Kindred has donated “bonus interest” to the church or church-based charity of their choice. Thanks to our committed members, since 1997 Kindred has donated over $890,000 to help churches and church-based charities do important work in our communities.
We wanted to expand that impact and open up this opportunity to other charities that also align with Kindred’s values – and so that’s exactly what we did! Members can still choose to direct bonus interest to their congregation and they can now choose to direct it to charities that address three themes from our Community Inspiration Framework: Community Food Security; Safe and Affordable Housing; and Financial Empowerment. Similar to our Affordable Housing GIC, the Community Inspiration GIC is unique to Kindred and helps members connect their values and faith with their finances in a tangible way.
We know that our members care deeply about their communities. By supporting congregations and charities, we are helping to build peaceful, just, and prosperous communities. Community Inspiration GICs can now be included in your non-registered or registered investments (RRSP, TFSA or RRIF).
If you’d like to create an impact in your community, speak with a member of our Wealth and Investment Team before June 30 to see if the Community Builder GIC is right for your portfolio.
*Recipients of bonus interest must be Ontario-based and must be a registered charity with CRA with a focus on community food security, safe and affordable housing, or financial empowerment. Congregations and charities that have received bonus interest in the past are exempt from this requirement. New congregations and charities will be considered for eligibility.