Credit Unions for Kids, in partnership with CUNA and the World Council of Credit Unions, announced this week that a one-day fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals will be held Oct. 16 to celebrate International Credit Union Day.

Shop for Miracles will enable credit unions and members to raise money for their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital.

Each time members use credit union-issued credit or debit cards on Oct. 16, participating credit unions participating will donate 25 cents or another pre-determined amount to the charity.

During a pilot program last year, 21 credit unions in California and Nevada raised $185,000, including $30,000 in matching funds from CO-OP Financial Services' Miracle Match program.

Last year, one of the participating organizations, Redwood Credit Union, raised more than $27,000, including a $5,000 match from CO-OP.

“Redwood Credit Union's 230,000 members did a wonderful job of supporting the Credit Unions for Kids' donation program tied to last year's International Credit Union Day,” said Brett Martinez, president/CEO of the $2.3 billion cooperative based in Santa Rosa, Calif. “We support several CU4Kids fundraising programs and this one beat all expectations.”

The credit union promoted the campaign through their website, newsletter, local print ads, in-branch signage, email and social media to let members know their RCU credit and debit card transactions would make a difference on International Credit Union Day, Martinez said.

As a result, RCU experienced a 38% increase in member card transactions over their projected total for that date, the credit union said.

By fundraising under the Credit Unions for Kids brand, the credit union industry has become the third largest corporate donor supporting the 156 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the 10 million young patients assisted annually, said John Lauck, president/CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Since 1996, Credit Unions for Kids campaigns have raised almost $130 million for the network hospitals.

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Credit Unions Invited to International Credit Union Day-Children's Miracle Network Tie-In

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