VersaBank Donates $10,000 to Canada Games Initiative

Stacey Stokley had multiple reasons to be glowing.

When the mother of twin daughters had learned that both her talented swimmers had been selected to the 34-member Ontario squad chosen to compete at the 2025 Canada Games, the high spirits of celebration exceeded excitement.

It was also an opportunity for a parent to share the awesome news.

Stokley, who is a senior law clerk and assistant corporate secretary at VersaBank did just that – with her boss, David R. Taylor. He’s the Founder, President and Director of the world’s first fully digital branchless financial institution.

The conversation included the athletic performance and success of Lauren and Grier Stokley as well as the subject of donations to charities. It’s a standard practice given by teams to the host communities.

With the national amateur sports spectacle taking place in St. John’s, Nfld. from August 8 to 25, the Canada Games organizing committee had launched “Games Give Back”. It’s an initiative that has 13 provinces and territories supporting two local organizations – Thrive and the Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thrive provides support and services to both resilient youth and young adults who live in poverty and have limited access to mainstream programs and services. The Kids Eat Smart Foundation focuses on assistance in the education, health and well-being of school age children by providing access to food at school, at no cost to families.

“I had sent an e-mail message about Lauren and Grier and inquired about a small monetary donation to the organizations,” said Stokley, who has worked for the London, Ont. Bank for the past 14 years. “I had thought maybe a few hundred dollars - but was shocked at what came about.”

With VersaBank's mission centered on delivering innovative financial solutions, it’s also a bank with a difference – and what a gracious difference that was in the form of a $10,000 donation - $5,000 to each of the local organizations.

“We wanted to do something special, very meaningful and also make an impact,” said Taylor. “What can be seen as a drop in the bucket, is also something that can have a huge positive impact in the lives of others. We try to help where we can and give back to communities.”

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 50+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.