Royal CU Donates $30,000 to Tree Trust

Eau Claire, WI – Royal Credit Union is donating $30,000 to Tree Trust, a non-profit organization committed to transforming lives and landscapes, located in St. Paul, MN. The funds will be used to enhance job skills and work capabilities for program participants through the purchase of a compact utility loader. Tree Trust provides employment training programs for promising young people ages 14-28. While enrolled in Tree Trust programs, young people earn a wage, receive employment readiness training, work with case managers to identify and fulfill goals, and get an introductory experience to green industry careers.

Royal has partnered with Tree Trust since 2020 to provide ongoing financial education on a variety of relevant topics to the participants in its programs. Through this partnership, Royal team members have seen first-hand the impactful work Tree Trust is doing in the metro and are excited to be able to contribute financially to its mission.

“Sharing financial education with Tree Trust participants has been such a rewarding experience,” shared Deb Paulsen, Royal Credit Union Community Financial Education Coordinator. “Not only are they learning valuable job skills, but Tree Trust is providing a comprehensive learning environment that helps participants be successful in other areas of their lives. The lessons we teach promote financial wellness and include topics such as banking basics, budgeting, credit, and purchasing a vehicle.”

“Tree Trust is thrilled to receive a donation of $30,000 from Royal Credit Union for the purchase of a compact utility loader for our Career Pathways Landscaping and Tree Care program,” stated Jared Smith, Executive Director and CEO of Tree Trust. “This generous donation makes it possible for program participants to gain invaluable hands-on training and experience for future green careers, while completing projects that improve our community.”

Tree Trust has been in operation since 1976 and has three core focus areas that guide its work and service to the community: Pathways to Careers, Planting Trees, and Partnership. Pathways to Careers equips people to achieve family-supporting, skilled trade, green careers that create economic opportunity and equity. Planting Trees (5,620 trees in 2021) helps grow a vibrant and resilient urban forest. Partnerships are collaborative—with each other, community partners, and the people they serve.

About Royal Credit Union

Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 250,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.