Credit unions are taking the lead in raising money for wildfires that have spread from Oregon to Washington to Idaho.
The Northwest Credit Union Association said the Northwest Credit Union Foundation (NWCUF) is teaming with the National Credit Union Foundation and local Red Cross organizations to raise relief funds in support of the victims.
The NWCUF seeded an emergency fund and call for donations to assist victims of the Chelan Wildfire burning in Central Washington, and the Canyon Creek Complex Fire that has charred thousands of acres near John Day, Ore. Donors will have the option of directing their donation to those specific areas if they choose; in addition, there is a general fund established to support all wildfire victims in Oregon and Washington.
"The fires burning in Oregon and Washington have affected thousands of lives. Countless families have lost their homes," said Northwest Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Denise Gabel. "Whether the victims are credit union members or not, we feel it is our duty to help these families rebuild. By pulling together we can truly make a difference for those hurting in our community."
A web page to receive donations has been established. Those who wish to donate are asked to visit
Lynn Heider, spokesperson for the Northwest CU Association, told Credit Union Journal donations were pouring in.
"Because our members are so generous, and perhaps because it received such widespread news coverage, we have already received nearly $40,000 in contributions," she reported on Friday.
CUs Pitching In
Traci McGlathery, community relations manager for $2.1 billion STCU, Liberty Lake, Wash., said while her credit union is hundreds of miles away from many of the major fires, "Our local community is concerned, cares and selflessly helps others in need."
STCU on Friday presented a check to the American Red Cross Northwest Relief Fund in the amount of $37,720.53.
"The check was from funds donated by our members and those in the community, and we are continuing to accept donations," McGlathery told CU Journal.
STCU is working in partnership with the Red Cross and Spokane television station KREM-TV on a fundraising campaign known as HELP2NW.
In Spokane Valley, Wash., employees of $1.4 billion Numerica CU donated funds to the Apple Valley and Inland Northwest chapters of the American Red Cross. Elizabeth Giles, spokesperson for Numerica, said the credit union matched the employees' amount, resulting in a total donation of $4,710 to fight wildfires in the region.
"In addition, 19 employees donated their time [Friday] to help raise funds for the American Red Cross," Giles reported. "We have been working with firefighters on a back-to-basics supply drive at our 18 branches. Many predictions have the fire running until least the middle of September and those serving at the front lines are seeing a continued need for basic supplies such as toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower supplies and other items. These items will be collected throughout the month of September to help with continued relief efforts."
Old West FCU 'Hub For Donations'
Old West Federal Credit Union, a $121 million CU that has a branch in John Day, Ore., — a town impacted by the Canyon Creek Complex fires — said it has turned itself into a hub for donations from the community. The CU set up a donations account for local residents to directly benefit residents of Grant County who have been impacted.
"There were two fires that basically blew up at the same time, creating a firestorm that traveled several miles down both sides of Canyon Creek in the space a few minutes," Ken Olson, Old West FCU's president and CEO, said in a press release.
Olson, whose home was described as "perilously close" to the fire, added, "Many residents fled for their lives with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a few mementos, as their homes were consumed in a matter of minutes. It is heartbreaking to see our friends and neighbors lose their homes, and as a true community financial institution, it is Old West Federal Credit Union's social and moral mandate to put our financial, emotional and physical resources to work in helping those who have lost so much recover from this tragedy."
Old West FCU is accepting donations from the local community that it will pass directly on to the fire relief efforts, Olson noted, adding, "I would ask and encourage every credit union in the Northwest to consider donating to the Northwest Credit Union Foundation's Wild Fire Relief Fund."
Old West Federal also is putting together a loan fund for affected community members to help cover expenses such as temporary living, insurance deductibles, and more.
"The loan will have delayed payments, a subsidized interest rate and more relaxed underwriting criteria," said a statement on the CU's website. "Also, if you have a loan with us now we can arrange skip-payments and other accommodations you might need."
Jamie Dedmon, managing director of the NWCUF, said Old West Federal's response is indicative of credit unions' deep rootedness in and commitment to their communities.
"In hard times such as this," said Dedmon, "credit unions are essential partners for members to recover from disaster and get their dreams back on track as quickly as possible. It pains all of us to see the devastation these fires are creating. But we are proud to be part of a credit union community that responds quickly and generously to the community members whose lives have been impacted."
As of Friday afternoon, there were no reports of credit union branches being destroyed or damaged.
