A national contest involving seven credit unions and Mastercard recently announced the local winner of the Choice Rewards “Grammy Getaway” contest.
James Irwin of Olalla, a member of Valley First Credit Union in Keremeos, was recently announced winner of 500,000 Choice Rewards points.
“It’s really something, out of the whole country, for one of our customers here in Keremeos to win,” said Valley First Credit Union Keremeos Branch Manager Joan Bauman.
The points carry a monetary value of $5,000.
Irwin just happened to be looking for a second credit card when he applied for a Mastercard and entered the contest.
“It’s too bad the 500,000 points wasn’t dollars,” Irwin joked.
Irwin will also have $2,500 to donate to a registered charity organization of his choice, in his name.
“I researched local charities, because they don’t have the same opportunities large national charities do,” Irwin said, explaining the reason for his charitable selection.
He named the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society as recipient for his donation.
He also plans to use the $5,000 to fly to Montreal to visit his daughter.