TUKWILA, Wash.–BECU has announced it has awarded more than $180,000 to winners of its People Helping People Awards, which recognize BECU members and the nonprofits they support with their effort, time and/or money.
Recipients received a monetary award from the credit union ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the category – Community Benefit, People’s Choice and Member Volunteer of the Year, according to the Northwest Credit Union Association.
More than 250 BECU members nominated their favorite, local non-profits and causes serving the Puget Sound and beyond. A wide variety of organizations were highlighted, from services that help veterans or underprivileged youth and families, to groups that are revitalizing lakes to better support salmon, to a team that trains emotional support dogs to help children more confidently navigate the justice system, according to the NWCUA.
Chosen as recipients of the 2016 BECU People Helping People Awards were:
- $30,000 Member Volunteer of the Year (selected by BECU panel of judges): REACH, which offers day center, emergency overnight shelter and a meal program for Renton residents in need.
- $20,000 People’s Choice Award (voted by the community via social media): Peak 7 Adventures, which helps underprivileged youth realize a greater potential through outdoor adventure experiences.
- $20,000 Employees’ Choice Award (voted by BECU employees): Courthouse Dogs Foundation, which trains agencies in the use of dogs to comfort witnesses or victims as they give their testimony of a traumatic situation.
BECU also awarded $10,000 Community Benefit Awards to a number of other community organizations.