It didn’t take long for Desiree Samuel to decide where she wanted to work when she started hearing about the plans for Stz’uminus First Nation’s Oyster Bay development along the Trans Canada Highway just north of Ladysmith.

Desiree Samuel

“When chief and council announced that Ladysmith District Credit Union (LDCU) was going to be one of many businesses that were looking into being in the Oyster Bay location, I knew wanted to apply for a position.”

Last July, she began working at the LDCU’s only branch in Ladysmith. But with the opening of the Stz’uminus branch earlier this year, she will find her time divided between both facilities.

“I have worked in the customer service industry for a good number of years,” Samuel said. “I enjoy the interaction with people.

“I wanted employment where I can continue to work with the public. I also wanted employment that, at the end of the day, I would have a good sense of appreciation and accomplishment.”

She has become a committed supporter of the credit union and said, “I would recommend that the Stz’uminus members take advantage of everything that LDCU has to offer.”

Samuel is the mother of three children with seven grandchildren.