LAKE MARY, FL (July 28, 2026) |
In response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela in late June, team members at Addition Financial Credit Union came together to raise $6,000 to support humanitarian relief efforts for those affected by the disaster.
The initiative began when several Addition Financial team members with personal ties to Venezuela proposed a companywide "Jeans Day" fundraiser to senior leadership. The proposal became action in July when team members across the credit union's branches and offices donated a minimum of $5 in exchange for wearing jeans to work. The grassroots effort generated approximately $2,000 from 158 individual donors working at Addition Financial, a record for this type of donation drive at the credit union.
Inspired by the overwhelming participation, both Addition Financial Credit Union and the Addition Financial Foundation each contributed matching gifts of $2,000, bringing the total donation to $6,000.
The funds will benefit the I Love Venezuela Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting established humanitarian organizations throughout Venezuela by providing critical resources to communities in need. The donation will help assist relief and recovery efforts following the powerful earthquakes that caused widespread devastation across northern Venezuela.
"Our hearts immediately went out to everyone affected by this tragedy," said Juan Velasco, Contact Center Manager at Addition Financial Credit Union and one of the organizers of the fundraiser. "Many of us have family, friends and loved ones in Venezuela, and we've seen firsthand how deeply these earthquakes have impacted the people and communities we care about. What made this effort so meaningful was watching team members from every part of the organization come together so quickly and generously. It was a powerful reminder that even from hundreds of miles away, we can make a real difference when we unite behind a common purpose."
Cristina Lehman, Executive Director of the Addition Financial Foundation, said the generosity displayed by employees made the Foundation's decision to contribute an easy one.
"When our team members stepped forward with this incredible show of compassion, our Foundation Board didn't hesitate to join them," Lehman said. "Their generosity reflects the caring culture that defines Addition Financial, and we were honored to amplify their impact with a matching gift. Supporting our team members as they support communities in need is exactly what the Foundation exists to do."
As of July 15, donors from across the world have contributed nearly $7 million to the I Love Venezuela Foundation emergency relief fund to provide urgently needed assistance including food and clean water, medical assistance, and temporary shelter.
