PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregonians Credit Union has pledged to match donations up to $15,000 made to its American Red Cross Cascades Region fundraiser for Oregon wildfire disaster relief.
The credit union said it launched the fundraiser in the afternoon of Sept. 15 in its seven branches and on a GoFundMe Charity page. OCU offered three jeans days in September for staff members who made donations to the fundraiser. Oregonians CU added it anticipated running the fundraiser through the end of September offering to match $15,000 in donations, but to donate a full $15,000 regardless of whether the amount was raised. The fundraiser was announced on its website, social media pages, and through an email that went out to their membership that evening.
“The response was overwhelming. Within 22 hours, (we) raised $7,367 and with Oregonians’ match, that’s $14,724 raised to help Oregon wildfire victims,” the credit union said.
The Clackamas County wildfires hit very close to home for the credit union; with two of its branches located in Clackamas County and one of them temporarily closed due to wildfire evacuation notices, Oregonians CU said.
‘Looking for Ways to Help’
“Many of us were looking for ways to help but couldn’t find where to donate or lend a helping hand. The overwhelming response we’ve received at the launch of this fundraiser proves that we have awesome members who want to help, and that people care about their communities and the people within them,” said CEO Sam Launius. “Other companies and institutions are making helpful and much-needed donations, but we know we’re stronger when we work with our members and this is just another example.”
The funds were donated to American Red Cross Cascades Region.