Whitefish Credit Union, Montana’s largest credit union with over 55,000 members and $1.5 billion in assets, donated $2,500 to the Warrior Movement to support the group’s suicide prevention efforts.
The Warrior Movement began in early 2018 when the Arlee, Montana high school boys basketball team, The Arlee Warriors, dedicating their state tournament to all those struggling with suicide in a video online. They subsequently won the state championship and their video went viral, receiving over a million views that garnered widespread local and national media attention, and drew support from Montana’s senators and governor, celebrities, NBA basketball players, and major organizations, like Nike. Since then, the cause has evolved into a nonprofit with an active suicide prevention campaign focused on providing support to individuals and communities in Montana and across the nation.
“We are very proud to support the Warrior Movement,” said Jim Kenyon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Whitefish Credit Union. “It is inspiring to see local Montana teenagers reach out and help others while empowering their peers to do the same. We are honored to help the cause increase its impact on people and communities in our state and throughout the country.”
“We are grateful to Whitefish Credit Union for their support,” said Zachary Pitts, Vice President of the Warrior Movement Board of Directors. “Their generous donation has been pivotal in helping us attain our federal 501(c)(3) status, which will allow us to expand our outreach efforts and spread our message of hope to those who need it most in Montana, and beyond.”
One of the benefits of federal 501(c)(3) status is the ability to accept out-of-state donations, which will help the Warrior Movement fulfill its plans to host community events, visit schools, and boost their outreach and support work. Whitefish Credit Union’s donation will also help the Warrior Movement continue to leverage social media, the original catalyst for the movement, and expand their online presence with the hope of reaching a wider audience struggling with suicide.
For more information about the Warrior Movement, visit https://www.jointhewarriormovement.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/Join.The.Warrior.Movement/