Southeastern Credit Union Foundation commits to helping CUs support local businesses

Local economies across Alabama, Florida and Georgia are about to receive an injection of support, thanks to local credit unions in partnership with the Southeastern Credit union Foundation (SECUF).

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic’s detrimental effect on local businesses, the SECUF has invited League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU) credit unions in its three-state footprint to join the #CreditUnionsCareChallenge. By doing so, credit unions commit at least $25 per employee; which the employee will use to carry out a good deed in their community while supporting a local business of their choice. Employees are encouraged to follow all social distancing guidelines.

To double the impact, SECUF has pledged to match every dollar contributed by member credit unions up to $25 per employee. The credit union will choose a local organization or charity to receive these matched funds as a donation.

The SECUF’s contributions are made possible, in part, by industry donors, including CUNA Mutual Group and our premier donor Corporate America Credit Union.

“Credit unions are integral parts of their local communities,” said Patrick La Pine, CEO for LSCU. “We’re excited to see what deeds employees carry out and local businesses they choose to support.  This effort lines up perfectly with the credit union motto of People Helping People.”

The SECUF began this initiative to answer the challenge put forth by Tallahassee-based First Commerce Credit Union in its ambitious #LocalStrong campaign. The credit union utilized this initiative to distribute more than $4,000 among more than 150 team members to spend with local businesses.

“We were inspired by their campaign and the intent behind it, we felt compelled to do our part to broaden the initiative across the Southeast,” said Tina Williams Chair of the SECUF and CEO of Mobile Educators Credit Union.  “Essentially, we’re shining a spotlight on two areas of need during this crisis – small businesses and local charities that are being inundated with requests for assistance.  We’re eager to show how the Southeast is #CUStrong.”