BURNSVILLE, Minn.– As part of Firefly Credit Union’s participation in Minnesota FoodShare’s March campaign, employees competed for reserved parking in prime parking stalls by donating the most food items for local non-profit agency, 360 Communities. Staff enjoyed the friendly competition, and it kept them engaged in donating throughout the month, the credit union said.
Together, the winners’ contributions accounted for just over 1,514 pounds – more than half of the total food donated by Firefly employees throughout the month.
360 Communities, which was founded by volunteers more than 40 years ago, includes a network of five emergency food shelves in the south metro area. According to 360 Communities, about 10,000 people benefit from this vital service annually.
“The parking stall competition was a fun element added to this year’s campaign! The winners came from four different departments of the Credit Union who, by working together, helped bring food to those in need in our community,” said parking stall winner, Janine Oxley. “At the end of the day, that is what the competition was truly about.”
Above right, Firefly Credit Union employees Cherrisa Peterson,Cassie Wright, and Janine Oxley stand near their winning parking stalls.
Separately, three members of Firefly Credit Union were selected as winners of the Minnesota Family Involvement Council (FIC) 2016 Scholarship. Out of nearly 850 applicants from credit unions across the state, Sarah Bediako of Blaine, Minn., and Julia Braulick and Anne Kopas of Northfield, Minn., will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
The FIC considered each applicant’s school and community involvement, as well as an essay answering the following question, “Other than family, what tools or resources do you use or see yourself using to make sure you are financially healthy?”
“Tracking my spending every month has been very helpful,” said Bediako. “[Doing so] paints a clear picture of exactly where my money is going. It gives me an idea on what I must cut back on to ensure financial success.”
Scholarships were given away to students in two categories: Traditional and Non-Traditional. Firefly Credit Union has been a long-time supporter of the FIC Scholarship program.
“Being aware of spending habits is a great step in maintaining financial health,” said Firefly Credit Union President/CEO, Bill Raker. “It is wonderful to see many of our young members showing initiative when it comes to their financial future.”
Below, Firefly Credit Union President/CEO, Bill Raker, with scholarship winners (from left to right) Anne Kopas, Julia Braulick, and Sarah Bediako.