BHFCU’s Employee-Driven Program Raised Over $85,000 for Charity in 2021

Credit unions were founded on the principle of people helping people. At Black Hills Federal Credit Union, our mission of improving lives is achieved by living out this principle and offering ways for employees to support their community. That’s why we developed the Community Action Team (CAT) Program! The CAT Program is run internally by staff, providing them the opportunity to give to causes near to their hearts.

 

2021 Results
As part of the CAT Program in 2021, staff raised over $85,000 and donated to more than 50 charities across the communities we serve. In addition, CAT Program drives collected over 100,000 items, and staff volunteered nearly 300 hours.

 

How it Works
Each Friday, BHFCU staff can choose to wear jeans in exchange for a $2 donation. This $2 donation goes directly to fund staff-led initiatives. The CAT Program is centered around the Jeans Day Program, giving staff a head start on their fundraising goals. CAT Project ideas are submitted at the beginning of the year, and chairs and co-chairs are identified.

 

Each month, two to three CAT Projects are given a dedicated two weeks to fundraise internally and externally for their charity of choice. Fundraisers have included supply drives, raffles and auctions, volunteer hours, food sales, costume contests, donation-based activities, and more. The more unique, the better! Nearly all donations remain in the state of South Dakota, benefiting the organizations that mean the most to BHFCU staff.

 

How Members Can Get Involved
Members are encouraged to participate! Keep a lookout for in-branch signage, and follow us on our Facebook page to learn more about how you can help BHFCU give back to our communities throughout 2022.