Rogue Credit Union distributes $1.15 million wildfire relief fund to local organizations

More than a million dollars donated towards Rogue Credit Union’s wildfire relief fund in the wake of the Almeda Fire will be distributed among 23 different non-profits, organizations, and other community staples in southern Oregon.

“Our local non-profits and community organizations are doing incredibly important work,” said Rogue Credit Union President and CEO Gene Pelham. “We are honored to help support their efforts to rebuild and heal our communities.”

As of now, the fund has raised more than $1.15 million — compiled from donations both large and small, from individuals, businesses, foundations, and other credit unions as far away as Europe. Rogue Credit Union said that it will continue to accept donations to the fund.

“We are proud to partner with Rogue Credit Union as this community responds and heals from the fires. These resources will provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental healthcare and COVID-19 testing through our mobile health center at various shelters, parking lots, and parks,” said Brenda Johnson, CEO of La Clinica.

Funding went to the following recipients:

• Phoenix Talent School District – $150,000
• Red Cross – $100,000
• United Way – $100,000
• Rogue Valley Family YMCA – $100,000
• United Rotary Clubs – $100,000
• La Clinica – $100,000
• Rogue Food Unites – $75,000
• ACCESS – $75,000
• Oregon Shakespeare Festival Association – $71,500
• Talent Maker City – $41,100
• Maslow Project – $32,500
• Kid Time – $25,000
• Habitat for Humanity – $25,000
• Kids Unlimited – $25,000
• Goodwill – $20,000
• Options for Helping Residents of Ashland – $20,000
• Boys & Girls Club – $20,000
• I CARE – $10,000
• Consumer Credit Counseling – $10,000
• SO Equity – $5,000
• Rogue Climate & Rogue Action – $5,000
• Southern Oregon Lions – $4,800

“We will coordinate our presence and services with other fire relief efforts, and for those needing additional help accessing community support, we will also deploy a trusted bilingual/bicultural community health worker to provide care coordination, social services, and wraparound support,” Johnson continued. “We simply couldn’t do this work without the generosity of the community. We are humbled by the work ahead of us and honored to be in service.”