Vancouver Island company’s products nurture creativity and learning

“Vancity is a progressive pioneer in doing things differently. It’s so important for us to be aligned with a pioneering organization that shares our values.” -- Bridgitte Alomes, owner of Natural Pod.

The very best children’s toys and furniture enable kids to do what they do best—use their imagination to learn about and explore the world around them. It’s this vision that guides Natural Pod, a Cowichan Valley-based designer and manufacturer of non-toxic toys and play environments.

Vancity has supported Natural Pod in its evolving growth—initially a microloan helped the company expand into the educational market. More recently, a line of credit enabled Natural Pod to continue manufacturing its products from a facility on Vancouver Island, hire local people and use locally sourced and environmentally friendly materials.

Vancity has also offered advice on cost-effective business models and connected the company with other social venture businesses.

Bridgitte Alomes, owner of Natural Pod, appreciates Vancity’s holistic perspective and its support of mission-oriented entrepreneurs like herself. “Vancity is a progressive pioneer in doing things differently. It’s so important for us to be aligned with a pioneering organization that shares our values.”