BHFCU Gives: Spreading Hope in Q1
Our communities are at the heart of everything we do. And our Community Action Team allows our employees to connect with non-profit organizations, giving back to their communities in the ways they need. This year, we’re consolidating our efforts, focusing our giving in a big way quarterly.
What is Operation Hope?
We started the year by asking employees to tell us the organizations they wanted to support. It came as no surprise when we began to see some themes. Organizations dedicated to supporting the unhoused, victims of domestic violence, and veterans share the common theme of needing essential goods. Our conversations with these organizations led to a focused ask for 11 basic items. And so, Operation Hope was born.
Who is Benefiting?
Employees nominated eleven non-profits spanning Billings, Custer, Hot Springs, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, and Sturgis. We’re thrilled to support Artemis House, the Compass Center, Cornerstone Rescue Mission, Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center, the St. Francis House, Tumbleweed, WAVI, WEAVE, and the Sioux Falls, Hot Springs, and Sturgis VAs. These organizations assist those who have served our country, others who have fallen on hard times, and some who are rebuilding their lives. Our support is a small thank you for the critical work they do day in and day out.
Did You Say Department Challenge?
Our employees generally love doing good and helping others – our mission is to improve lives, after all. But we decided to sweeten the deal with a little healthy competition. We asked departments to collect at least one item for each person on their team, and, in return, they’d have the chance at a lunch party of their choice on the credit union. Bonus! If they collected double the items, they get double the chance to win!
As you may have guessed, epic internal battles ensued! Located right next door to each other, our Contact Center and ITM department collected 450+ items in their quest to best the other. In total, 22 departments made up of 172 team members collected 1,390 items.
Who Doesn’t Love Something Warm and Fuzzy?
Back in February, we all got together for a day of development. While all 400 BHFCU employees were in one room, we took the opportunity to craft over 100 fleece tie blankets. There’s nothing better than snuggling under a warm throw, especially one of your own. These blankets made their way to five of the non-profit organizations benefiting from Q1 giving!
We’ll Let the Numbers Do the Talking…
We’re blown away by the engagement of our employees and the support of our community. Here’s where the donations landed.
- 11 non-profit organizations supported
- 108 tie blankets made
- 2,019 items collected
- $15,500 donated to non-profits (employee donations matched by BHFCU!)
