While many people were suffering during the pandemic, credit unions stepped up in a very big way. In 2020, credit unions across the country donated more than $91.7 million in donations to charitable causes, community organizations, essential workers, and hospitals. In addition, more than 53,000 hours of volunteer hours were documented.
Here in the northern plains, North Dakota credit unions documented over $180,000 in direct community impact, while South Dakota logged over $181,000 in community impact. The CU Social
Good Award recognizes one credit union in each asset category that has positively affected the community and the Dakota credit union movement.
East River Federal Credit Union, Madison, SD – $26M to $125M in assets winner. East River FCU embraced the “people helping people” philosophy even while the past year presented many challenges. They collected donations for the local food pantry, created an online game to help people stay connected with loved ones, and developed creative ways to help parents teach kids about finances. They made multiple donations including to the local housing and utility assistance fund, offered free financial counseling, and provided school supplies for area students.
Photo above: Trasi Smith, VP of Operations from East River FCU accepts the CU Social Good Award from Jeff Olson, DakCU President/CEO.
- Press Release from the Dakota Credit Union Association