BELLINGHAM (January 24, 2024) — WECU has announced a total donation of more than $115,600 to the United Way. This is the largest amount the credit union has ever donated to the nonprofit in a single year.
Most of the funds were raised by WECU employees during the 2023 workplace campaign, with only a small portion coming from the organization itself.
“There is a culture of giving back to our community within WECU and a longstanding relationship with the United Way of Whatcom County,” said Lindsay Schupbach, Chair of WECU’s United Way Fundraising Committee. “WECU Staff are unwavering in their support to contribute to a collective effort to support those in need in our community!”
Since 1994, WECU has conducted annual workplace campaigns, resulting in cumulative donations surpassing $1 million to United Way. The initiatives undertaken in the past year showcased WECU’s innovative and engaging approach to fundraising.
Elements of the fundraising campaign featured payroll deduction incentives, a successful garage sale featuring office equipment, a spirited fundraiser involving a dunk tank at a Bellingham Bells game, and a holiday auction driven by employee-donated baskets.
“WECU is an incredible partner in supporting our community,” said Kristi Birkeland, President & CEO of the United Way of Whatcom County. “Every year, we are blown away by WECU’s commitment to making Whatcom County a better place. There is a genuine, caring spirit that lives and breathes in this group, and we love seeing how it shows up in new and creative ways.”
The annual employee auction, a standout event, reached new heights in 2023. WECU employees collaboratively crafted over 45 themed baskets, generously donating items sourced from local and WECU member businesses. The auction, conducted through an online portal, raised $6,462, contributing to a cumulative total exceeding $40,000 since its inception in 2016.
WECU’s commitment to community well-being, exemplified through this substantial donation, reinforces its position as a socially responsible financial institution dedicated to positively impacting the communities it serves.
About WECU
WECU, originally established in 1936 as Bellingham Teachers Credit Union, is a thriving credit union headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. With a rich history and commitment to the community, WECU extends its financial services to individuals and businesses across the entire state of Washington. Boasting a dedicated team of over 400 local professionals, WECU takes pride in serving a vast membership base exceeding 150,000 individuals. The credit union’s robust financial standing is reflected in its assets, surpassing $2.5 billion.
