Credit unions across Montana came together to give back to their communities by volunteering more than 4,200 hours of service throughout the month of October as part of the Giving Time Campaign.
Two years ago, Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) launched the Giving Time Campaign, encouraging all credit unions in Montana to log their volunteer hours throughout the month of October to commemorate International Credit Union Day (ICU Day). ICU Day takes place every October and is a day to commemorate the credit union movement and the strides it makes toward a brighter financial future for all.
In its first year, the campaign resulted in a combined 2,492 hours of voluntary time. In 2018, credit union staff, members and friends from around the state gave a total of 3,990 service hours during the month of October. This year, the upward trend has continued. Karen Smith, vice president of advocacy at Montana’s Credit Unions, is excited to keep the up the momentum, logging more hours of service year over year.
“Giving back to the community is an integral part of our credit union’s ‘People Helping People’ philosophy,” said Smith. “Looking at the number of hours our communities volunteered demonstrates how our credit unions are truly connected to what’s happening in our neighborhoods and how much they care. We are grateful for all those who participated and took time to uplift, build, and provide service causes across the entire state.”
The campaign ended with a total of 4,279 service hours in purpose-driven activities that impact the local communities around the state.
Embark CU helped local teachers & schools get ready for the school year with "Back to School Bucks"
— Montana's CUs (@MontanaCUs) October 11, 2019
The CU randomly selected 10 teachers, who received $250 to spend in their classrooms. Embark’s investment in the local schools & community is a great example of the #CUDifference! pic.twitter.com/6qhZU6eXpm
For International Credit Union Day, @ParkSide_CU organized community service opportunities throughout the morning - sending staff to 4 local nonprofit organizations to make a #CUDifference.
— Montana's CUs (@MontanaCUs) October 25, 2019
Way to give time! #MTgivingtimehttps://t.co/jaLcxVEfoz pic.twitter.com/lhCZF7O1I6
Nearly 80 @altana_fcu employees crafted emergency kits to support the local Salvation Army's efforts to support the homeless individuals in Billings.
— Montana's CUs (@MontanaCUs) October 18, 2019
The CU reported 35 hrs to our Giving Time campaign providing 100 Montanans, in need, help during the coming winter! #CUDifference pic.twitter.com/rRd0F5GFOD
McCone County FCU warmed the hearts of folks in Circle this past weekend by #givingtime. Twelve CU employees volunteered 34 hrs. to staff the local theater so the town could share the movie Abominable with local families.
— Montana's CUs (@MontanaCUs) November 1, 2019
Thanks for #givingtime & spreading the #CUDifference! pic.twitter.com/C8OMfMzzDK