NW Credit Union Organizing Relief Effort To Help Wildfire Victims

Tigard, Or. and SeaTac, Wa. — Many Northwest families have suffered significant loss as a result of the devastating wildfires sweeping across Oregon and Washington. In an effort to help the community, The Northwest Credit Union Foundation (NWCUF) is teaming with the National Credit Union Foundation and local Red Cross organizations to raise relief funds in support of the victims.

The NWCUF has seeded an emergency fund and call for donations to assist victims of the Chelan Wildfire burning in Central Washington, and the Canyon Creek Complex Fire that has destroyed more than 48,000 acres near John Day, Oregon. Donors will have the option of directing their donation to those specific areas if they choose; in addition, there is a general fund established to support all wildfire victims in Oregon and Washington.

“The fires burning in Oregon and Washington have affected thousands of lives. Countless families have lost their homes,” said Northwest Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Denise Gabel. “Whether the victims are credit union members or not, we feel it’s our duty to help these families rebuild. By pulling together we can truly make a difference for those hurting in our community.”

The National Credit Union Foundation typically manages disaster relief fundraising for the credit union system, and in this case, is working with the Northwest Credit Union Foundation to assist in fundraising.

“We encourage the credit union community to donate, to help people affected by these devastating wildfires,” said Christopher Morris, Director of Communications at the National Credit Union Foundation. “There is a critical need for funds in the area and contributing to help our brothers and sisters through this difficult time is a great example of the credit union movement’s ‘people helping people’ philosophy.”

A web page to receive donations has been established. Those who wish to donate are asked to visit http://nwcuf.org/oregon-washington-wildfire-relief/.