Denver-area credit unions are pitching in with charitable drives and special member accounts to help defray expenses for victims of the July 20 shooting tragedy in Aurora, Colo.
The $1.2 billion Westerra CU said Thursday one of the victims in critical condition in a Denver hospital is former employee Ashley Moser, the mother of 6-year-old Veronica Moser, one of the 12 people killed by the movie theater gunman.
Moser worked as a Resources Services rep at Westerra from 2007-2010, Westerra said, and the Ashley Moser Assistance Fund was established as a way for former coworkers to assist the family with expenses. In her job, Moser provided back office support to branches and the call center in researching member transactions.
Westerra said it is one of four credit unions that make up the Aurora Credit Union Alliance that is contributing to the Micayla Medek Memorial Fund established at the request of family members at the $161 million Fitzsimons Credit Union to assist with burial expenses.
Also in the alliance are the $96 million Aurora Schools FCU and the $103 million Space Age FCU.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper has designated the Aurora Victims Relief Fund through GivingFirst.org as a central assistance fund in support of all victims of the Aurora tragedy. Westerra said it is maintaining a link on its website to facilitate donations.
Outside of Colorado, the $393 million Generations FCU of San Antonio said it has established a memorial account for former resident Jessica Ghawi, 24, also one of the 12 fatalities. Generations said it was asked this week by family members and friends to set up the account.
“An aspiring sports journalist, Ghawi had moved to Denver from San Antonio last year,” said Generations. “Donations made to the account at Generations FCU will go toward a scholarship fund established by Ghawi’s family – the Jessica Ghawi Redfield Memorial Fund.”
