SEATAC, Wash.–Eight Northwest credit unions have won regional CUNA honors via Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring, and Alphonse Desjardins awards.
The credit unions will be honored Dec. 2, at the Northwest Credit Union Association’s virtual awards celebration, “Celebrating U: An Online Gala Recognizing Credit Unions’ Extraordinary Service.”
“Every day, credit unions continue to shine through their undeniable dedication to their members,” said Christine Ruzzi, NWCUA’s assistant vice president, Enterprise Engagement Resources. “I’m humbled by the efforts displayed by credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, to offer members and communities special services and support.”
The winners include:
Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Awards
- Horizon Credit Union, Spokane Valley, Wash. The credit union purchased $4,000 in food and beverages from local businesses to support 15 groups of first responders serving on the COVID-19 frontlines.
- Westmark Credit Union, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Westmark CU supports the credit union movement’s “charity of choice,” Credit Unions for Kids, through an annual golf tournament. The 2019 event blew past the $36,001 fundraising goal, earning $51,500 for regional Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award
- Clackamas Federal Credit Union, Milwaukie, Ore., which was honored for committing 152 volunteer hours and $10,000 in financial contributions to local nonprofits at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for offering special financial services to the community such as Paycheck Protection Program loans, low-rate loan options, and skip-a-pay availability.
- Providence FCU, Milwaukie, Ore., for processing nearly 100 “Caregiver Loans” throughout 2019 and 2020, which offer lower-wage healthcare workers a low-interest alternative to payday loans. The Caregiver Loan program also incentivizes savings.
Alphonse Desjardins Youth and Adult Financial Education Awards
- Gesa Credit Union, Richland, Wash. The credit union provided more than 200 financial education courses to 13,000 members, including more than 11,000 youth. Gesa was recognized in both the adult and youth categories.
- Mid Oregon Credit Union, Bend, Ore. Mid Oregon hosted three “Bite of Reality” financial reality fairs for 120 students. Mid Oregon CU also facilitated financial workshops, which helped 170 adults to advance their financial knowledge.
- Oregon State Credit Union, Corvallis, Ore. An estimated 6,100 youth received financial education from Oregon State CU’s program. The credit union partnered with a variety of community partners to expand its “Train the Trainer” program, which helps to spread the financial education lessons deeper into the community.
- SnoCope Credit Union, Everett, Wash., which was recognized for offering free financial education seminars to 211 community members. The sessions were offered to adults in collaboration with local employers.