LAKE CITY, UTAH Credit Unions for Kids, in partnership with the Credit Union National Association and the World Council of Credit Unions, today introduced Shop for Miracles, a one-day fundraising program to support local Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals.� The event will help celebrate International Credit Union Day� on October 16.
Each time members use their credit union-issued credit or debit card on October 16, credit unions participating in the Shop for Miracles program will donate $0.25 or other pre-determined amount to their local Childrens Miracle Network Hospital.
Last year, 21 credit unions in California and Nevada signed on for a pilot program and raised an impressive $185,000 which included $30,000 in matching funds from CO-OP Financial Services Miracle Match program.
Redwood Credit Union (RCU) in Santa Rosa, Calif. saw an overwhelming response from its members.
"Redwood Credit Unions 230,000 members did a wonderful job of supporting the Credit Unions for Kids donation program tied to last years International Credit Union Day," remarked President and CEO Brett Martinez.� "The one-day campaign raised just over $27,000 which included a $5,000 match from CO-OP.� We support several CU4Kids fundraising programs and this one beat all expectations," concluded Martinez.
Redwood Credit Union promoted the campaign through their website, newsletter, local print ads, in-branch signage, email and social media to let members know their RCU credit and debit card transactions would make a difference on International Credit Union Day.� The credit union saw a 38 percent increase in member card transactions over their projected total for that date.
"Shop for Miracles is another example of Americas credit unions stepping up to support the kids served by our 156 U.S. member hospitals," said John Lauck, president and CEO of Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals. "Fundraising under the Credit Unions for Kids brand, the credit union industry is our third largest corporate donor supporting Network hospitals and the 10 million kids they serve annually."
Beginning in June, credit unions can access more information about International Credit Union Day and the Shop for Miracles campaign by visiting
www.cu4kids.org
In the meantime, please contact Joe Dearborn, senior director, Credit Unions for Kids at
jdearborn@cmnhospitals.org for more details.
About Credit Unions for Kids
Credit unions, fundraising under the
Credit Unions for Kids brand, have partnered with Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals since 1996 and in that time have raised almost $130 million.� Today, individual credit unions throughout the United States collaborate with chapters, leagues/associations and business partners to raise much-needed funds for 156 CMN Hospitals.� Fundraising programs range from golf tournaments, runs, walks to wine auctions, online giving campaigns and paper balloon icon sales. In 2013, credit unions raised $10.2 million ranking the movement third among CMN Hospitals corporate partners in annual giving.� Contributions help fund new facilities, research, patient services, equipment, special patient needs, charity care and health education programs benefitting 10 million children annually.
About International Credit Union Day
Since 1948, International Credit Union (ICU) Day� has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October. Originally a day to honor those who have dedicated their lives to the movement, thousands of U.S. credit unions now celebrate by appreciating their members and demonstrating the credit union difference.� The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the great work that credit unions are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more involved.
About Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals
Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals� raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada.� Donations stay local to fund critical treatment and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care.� Since 1983, Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most it $1 at a time through the charitys Miracle Balloon icon.� Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofits mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.� Find out why childrens hospitals need community support; identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where The Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.
