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Educational Community Credit Union gives $2,500 to the SPCA of SW Michigan to care for a growing number of animals in need

KALAMAZOO, MI (July 9, 2014) — Educational Community Credit Union (ECCU) has donated $2,500 to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Southwest Michigan (SPCA SW MI). The SPCA focuses on the crisis of pet homelessness and has a goal to find homes for neglected or abandoned animals in a 10-county area. Funds given by ECCU will help feed and provide medical care for animals as well as support community outreach programs.

SPCA Director Katie Timber says the ‘Cold Noses/Warm Hearts’ and ‘Loaves and Fishes,’ programs, both new to the SPCA this year, will be supported by ECCU funds. “The programs are unique and assist those in need, the lower income population, and help them care for pets when money is tight.”

The SPCA, located at 6955 West KL Ave., Kalamazoo, rescues hundreds of animals each year and prides itself on a 98.9% animal survival rate. “Animals are never euthanized for convenience or space,” adds Timber.

The philosophy of the SPCA aligns with the mission of ECCU. ‘Do the Right Thing’ is a core value for ECCU and translates into giving back to the community. “Many families in Southwest Michigan have been challenged economically over the last several years. And some don’t have the resources to care for their pets,” explains ECCU Financial Services Representative Debra Linenger. “With increased demands on the SPCA, we’re honored to help with our donations and time.”

ECCU supports causes important to both members and staff. “We have a Caring Committee, which disburses hundreds of charitable contributions annually,” says Linenger, who chairs the committee. Staff also have a voice in choosing how the funds are allocated. “We have a lot of animal lovers at our branches, so it was no surprise the SPCA was one of the charities selected this year.”

A number of ECCU staff volunteer at the SPCA, helping to walk dogs, clean cages and windows, and groom the animals. In the past, they have also given blankets, toys, and pet supplies for SPCA rescue animals.

Timber is appreciative to ECCU, where she is a member and banks personally. “Thanks to generous donations from community partners like ECCU, we’ve saved more than 13,000 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens since opening (in 2002).”

“We’re glad to be there for causes our members care about,” concludes Linenger. “At ECCU, giving back is what we’re all about, as is improving the lives of those we serve.” With seven convenient locations, ECCU is a full service financial institution serving anyone who lives or works in a 21-county area in West Michigan. For details on credit union membership, visit www.eccu1.org.

About ECCU

Established in 1935, ECCU has grown from serving only Kalamazoo school employees, to serving the greater educational community, to now providing a full range of financial products and services to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in any of our 21 Michigan counties. The credit union exceeds $414 million in assets and serves more than 36,000 members. Visit eccu1.org to learn more about membership and why ECCU just feels right, and our members feel right at home.

About the SPCA of SW Michigan

The mission of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Southwest Michigan is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find responsible homes for the forgotten pets from Michigan pounds. A registered 501(c)(3), the SPCA is supported by 15 part-time staff and 300 volunteers, serving Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Eaton, Barry, St. Joseph, Berrien, Van Buren, Cass, Branch, and Allegan counties. For information or to donate, visit www.spcaswmich.org.


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