Our People, Their Passion: Giving Back Together
At Shelter Lending, giving back is at the heart of what we do. In addition to our ongoing support for organizations like Opportunity International and Kelowna's Gospel Mission, our employees are always looking for ways to make a difference in their communities.
As part of our 2025 Shelter Gives Back program, each team member will select a local charity close to their heart, and Shelter Lending will make a $500 donation on their behalf. Every quarter, we shine a spotlight on two of our incredible employees and the causes they care about—celebrating the passion, purpose, and generosity that make our team extraordinary. All of our employees play a vital role in the success of this initiative, and we’re proud to support the organizations that matter most to them.
Melanie Andriesse
Senior Underwriter & Fulfillment Officer
Meet Melanie: Dedicated, Driven, Reliable!
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s more than a hospice – it’s a place filled with compassion, courage, and love. It’s where families facing the unimaginable are surrounded with care, dignity, and kindness.
My nephew spent his final days in their care. In that time, the staff and volunteers gave our family something we’ll never forget – peace, comfort, and moments of genuine connection during an incredibly difficult time. They treated him not just as a patient, but as the bright, brave soul he was.
He was our hero – strong, full of heart, and loved beyond words. Now he’s our angel and honouring him means giving back to the place that cared for him with such tenderness.
In his memory, I’m supporting Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, so that other families can receive the same love, support, and care we did. Their work changes lives, and every donation helps them continue to provide comfort to children and families when it matters most.
Deenu Patel
Manager of Business Development & Marketing
Meet Deenu: Jovial, Empathetic, Dutiful
Music makes the world go round. No matter where I am, I have always found myself surrounded with music. Whether its playing in the background of a busy work day, driving, tasking around the house, travelling, or dabbling on a guitar or drums. Music makes me tick. Having studied music in school and have played live music in all sorts of mediums over the years, I have seen how music impacts people to their cores.
Music is a universal language, and no matter what part of the world you go, there will always be music bringing people together. Its binds people, cultures, religions and even nations. We need music. Music is life altering, music reminds and music heals.
I'm supporting the Victoria Conservatory of Music this quarter, who together with the support of community provide education, therapy and opportunity to all ages and skill levels to discover the power of music. Providing opportunities to learn, play, and even perform, the Conservatory has worked its magic since 1964. More than ever now, the world needs harmony, we need peace and we need music.
SHELTER LENDING GIVES BACK
At Shelter Lending, we are committed to donating a portion of our profit towards critical issues at both domestic and global levels. We are proud partners with organizations such as Opportunity International and Kelowna's Gospel Mission who promote positive change to communities in need. However, it is thanks to our investors that we have the opportunity to do this. By investing with us, you can trust that your capital is handled responsibly with a consistent return while impacting those in need. Join us in making a difference today.
What Is Opportunity International?
Opportunity International provides access to savings, small business loans, insurance and training to 9.6 million people working their way out of poverty in developing nations. Clients in 22 countries use these financial services to expand businesses, provide for their families, create jobs for their neighbours, strengthen communities, empower women, and build a safety net for the future.
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is one of the largest Central Okanagan organizations dedicated to addressing homelessness in all its facets. They provide essential services such as emergency shelters that give people immediate care but also facilitate a place for them to move forward toward their goals. KGM provides essential items such as food, clothing, basic health care, and emotional support for those experiencing episodic homelessness.
Charities We Have Supported This Year
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