JOHN DAY, Ore. — Old West Federal Credit Union’s fund victims of the Canyon Creek Complex fire has now topped $110,000.
The Blue Mountain Eagle reported that the credit union’s CEO, Ken Olson, is still working to connect with some of the victims displaced by the huge fire. Olson told the publication that some people may be reluctant to come forward because they are proud or don’t believe they legitimately need any assistance.
The account at Old West FCU has been set up in partnership with the Fairgrounds Relief Effort. Olson said several thousand dollars has been set aside for VISA gift cards to assist with immediate needs. Vouchers are available at the fairgrounds pavilion, which can then be exchanged for VISA cards at Old West.
Olson, who is also a sheriff’s deputy, shared a first-person account of the fire with CUToday.info here.