Credit Union 1
In 2016, Credit Union 1 took a new approach and initiative to help address a growing problem in our Alaskan communities: widespread hunger. For many families, the choice between buying heating oil or food each winter is a very real problem – and one that no family should face. In response to this most basic social need, Credit Union 1 fundraises for the Food Bank of Alaska each November. However, many of our members are also tight on funds during this pre-holiday season, which inspired us to imagine a new way for Credit Union 1 members to help feed Alaskans statewide in a manner that was more accommodating of their own budgetary restraints.
From this objective, a plan to marry our credit union’s points-based Rewards system with our yearly Food Bank of Alaska fundraiser was born. By encouraging and inspiring our member’s to donate money or Rewards points to the Food Bank, we enabled more Alaskans to contribute to our hunger-fighting cause without hindering their own ability to afford daily needs. To further solidify our commitment to fighting hunger throughout Alaska, Credit Union 1 in turn pledged to double all donations from members who contributed Rewards points to our cause.
Credit Union 1 serves over 85,000 members throughout Alaska, and anyone who lives or works in our state is eligible to join our organization. With this widespread and diverse membership in mind, our fundraising efforts for the Food Bank of Alaska targeted residents from as far north as Nome and south to Ketchikan. To address this widespread geography, we set an objective to engage Alaskans via e-signage in our branches, articles on our website, and ample notifications via Facebook and Twitter. Furthermore, we hoped that the success of our efforts would spread to peripheral, non-member audiences via word of mouth and social media shares.
Fundraising for Food Bank of Alaska
Category
Community Engagement - NEW CATEGORY FOR 2017 > Community Engagement - $501 to $999 Million
Winner Status
- Silver