SEATTLE—BECU has awarded $500,000 in 2017 People Helping People Awards, which recognize BECU members and the non-profits they support with their time, talents and donations.
At a ceremony here, 18 non-profit organizations received awards ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 across five categories, including Open Doors for Multicultural Families, First Washington, Friends of the Children – Seattle and Outdoors for All Foundation.
Since 2013, BECU has donated $970,000 to local charities through the program.
“The remarkable work these organizations accomplish in our communities is as inspiring as it is impactful,” said Tom Berquist, senior vice president of Marketing and Cooperative Affairs. “These awards support and celebrate the causes our members are most passionate about. For BECU, People Helping People is more than just a phrase; it’s part of our mission, part of our culture and how we show up for our members.”
This year, more than 230 BECU members nominated their favorite, local non-profits serving the Puget Sound region, Spokane and beyond. The recognized organizations are tackling a broad range of important issues including homelessness, healthcare, education, poverty and hunger.
According to the credit union, funding for the People Helping People Awards tripled this year due to BECU’s “Make a Purchase. Make a Difference” campaign. The two-month initiative encouraged BECU members to embrace the people helping people philosophy by helping to raise funds by simply using their BECU debit Mastercard. For every purchase made with the card, BECU donated one cent toward the People Helping People Awards.
In addition to the funds given to the 2017 award winners, BECU said it is also granting $3,000 to all past People Helping People Award recipients for a total of $153,000 in further giving.