Peer Group Three Credit Unions Push Flood Relief
By Boundary Sentinel
Seven credit unions from the Boundary, Kootenay, and Columbia Valley have collaborated in their efforts to provide financial relief for Grand Forks and its surrounding communities.
In early May, the severe overland flooding of two rivers that meet in the downtown core of Grand Forks, placed the entire region into a prolonged state of emergency. Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes, and hundreds of buildings succumbed to unprecedented water levels.
Together, Columbia Valley, Creston and District, East Kootenay Community, Grand Forks, Heritage, Kootenay Savings, and Nelson and District Credit Unions, also known as “Peer Group Three”, have donated $20,000, pushing the online fundraiser more than $10,000 past its original goal of $50,000.
“We have seen our partners, employees, friends, and families directly impacted by the floods in Boundary Country, and have been truly inspired by the community’s ability to coordinate and collaborate in the face of urgency and devastation,” said the Peer Group Three in a media release.
“Pushing through this terrible event with such a positive and community first mindset is a testament to true small-town BC living. Residents have done a tremendous amount of physical labour and have been generously donating their own resources – homes, money and food have become shared goods among many people. The situation has highlighted what we are all about in the cooperative system and has inspired our peer group to make its first ever collaborative donation.
“We hope this $20,000 is a stepping stone on the path to recovery, and we are confident in our neighbor’s ability to restore and rebuild.”
All funds raised by the effort are being used to give short-term assistance to individuals and small businesses that have been directly impacted by the flooding and evacuations.
“With multiple people and organizations contacting us to donate from outside the region, we have organized this “Go Fund Me” to ensure the option is there for anyone wishing to contribute,” said a Grand Forks Credit Union spokesperson.
“In light of the extreme generosity from those like our partners in Peer Group Three, the fundraiser will continue and has increased its goal to $75,000.”
A direct link to donate can be found on the home page at Grand Forks Credit Union.
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