Credit Unions Donate $150K to Massachusetts Coalition for Homeless
February 6, 2017
The Massachusetts Credit Unions Social Responsibility Committee wrapped up its 2016 fundraising season with a $150,000 donation to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. The donation demonstrates the exceptional generosity of 70 CCUA member credit unions and four state chapters, and surpasses the committee's $135,000 goal.
A golf tournament, candy drive and convention silent auction were among the committee and credit union fundraising activities that made the donation possible. The $150,000 also came from direct donations (dues rebate and general appeal), chapter and miscellaneous donations.
RTN Federal Credit Union of Waltham raised $26,879 through its annual "Walk Home 2016." Hanscom Federal Credit Union, located at Hanscom Air Force Base, raised $31,140 through a cash raffle; employee holiday raffle matched by the CU; and miscellaneous fundraisers.
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) donated more than $12,000 to the coalition's Bed for Every Child initiative. In December, it sent a $7,500 donation from its DCU 4 Kids Foundation and designated 30 beds to be distributed in the Worcester area.
Boston Firefighters Credit Union, Brotherhood Credit Union, Harvard University Employees Credit Union, Members Plus Credit Union, Metro Credit Union, St. Jean's Credit Union, and Workers Credit Union showed major support with donations above $2,000.
In addition to monetary support, 25 credit unions donated 825 blankets and 36 credit unions collected 13,361 children's books to the coalition during the committee's annual blanket and book drives.
The committee made a strong effort in 2016 to raise funds for 100 beds through a Bed For Every Child. Total funds donated by credit unions through the general appeal and dues rebate in conjunction with the donation from DCU provided a total of 160 beds. Since 2012 when the credit unions began to support this initiative, a total of 347 children have received a bed.
Cooperative Credit Union Association President Paul Gentile remarked, "This committee and our Massachusetts Credit Unions have done an outstanding job of supporting the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Their dedication and passion is beyond compare. I am proud of their accomplishments and look forward to build upon their success going forward in 2017."
Click HERE for a list of contributing credit unions and state chapters.