Mazuma Credit Union has announced an initiative to help support locally owned businesses in the Kansas City Metro.
The initiative, #LocalStrong, is aimed to distributed more than $5,000 amongst its 217 Mazuma Team Members to spend with local Kansas City businesses of their choice between April 24th and May 1st.
The idea comes from a credit union in North Florida and aims to provide each Mazuma Team Member with $25 deposited into their account to purchase goods, services, or gift cards from local Kansas City businesses. In addition, Mazuma is running a giveaway on Facebook to reward a local business with $500.
“The stay-home order has drastically shifted how we are able to connect with our Members, and the community, and more than ever we’re being challenged to think outside the box,” said Director of Growth, Laura Eblen. “During this unprecedented time, we recognize it can be difficult to find ways to feel like you’re making a difference. We wanted to spark a wave of support by empowering our Team Members to give back to our community through small purchases from locally owned businesses.”
In observance of the CDC’s guidelines for social distancing, Mazuma Team Members are being encouraged to purchase the product, service, or gift card through the business’s website or by phone. Team Members were provided with a list of local businesses including restaurants, retail stores, and service providers, but ultimately the decision on what local business they’d like to support is theirs. Team Members can also choose to donate their purchase to an individual in need, or a local organization that serves vulnerable or at-risk populations.
“It is amazing to see how incredibly strong, resilient, and committed our Kansas City community is. Through this initiative we hope to help the businesses that are working tirelessly to keep our local economy strong by empowering our Team to give back to their favorite businesses in the community,” said President and CEO, Deonne Christensen. “Credit Unions have always been about people helping people, and we’re excited to be able to step up and contribute in these incredible ways. This is what being a Credit Union is about, and I am so proud of our abilities to expand past our walls and make a positive impact in our communities.”
In addition to the #LocalStrong initiative, Mazuma Credit Union has quickly rolled out relief efforts for both consumer and business Members, including Skip-A-Pay and a 0% CD Secured Loan. Mazuma has also donated $100,000 through its Foundation to the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to help support vulnerable communities affected by COVID-19. This fund aims to raise $10 million to be distributed among area non-profit organizations assisting in critical human services. For complete details on Mazuma Credit Union’s response to COVID-19, visit the FAQ page at www.mazuma.org/covid-19.