ALBUQUERQUE, N.M–Kirtland FCU has given $300 Visa debit cards to each of its employees and encouraged them to use the cards to support local businesses. The credit union noted financial institutions have been deemed essential, and many Kirtland FCU employees have been on the front lines during the stay at home orders.
"This is the board’s way of saying thank you to our amazing employee team,” said Kirtland FCU Board Chairman Brian McDonald. “We specifically didn’t add the money to their paychecks, because we want to give our team members an easy way to buy local. Our intent is that the money be used to support local restaurants and retailers that have been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The credit union noted 100% of its employees have been working during the pandemic. Those who couldn’t work remotely worked in the branches serving members, setting up new COVID-19 safety measures, and sanitizing all branches and offices.
Other team members provided additional manpower at the Kirtland FCU call center.
In total, the amount of the Visa debit cards distributed to employees is more than $45,000.
“We look at this program as a win-win,” added McDonald. “The employees get a nice boost, and we get to help our local businesses.”