SPIRE Credit Union, members raise nearly $80,000 for animals in need

August 4, 2023 by Lauren Culp, CUInsight.com

Credit Union Spotlight, presented by CUInsight, features credit unions taking action and changing their local communities. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the important work these credit unions do to bring their mission to life.

We often talk about credit unions changing members’ lives, but more rarely do we hear about credit unions changing the lives of their four-legged family members too. This month, we’ve been inspired by the work Minnesota-based SPIRE Credit Union has done in partnership with its local community to support pet rescue and animal adoption.

Together with their members, SPIRE raised almost $80,000 to support local charity Secondhand Hounds and the Buck$ for Babe campaign. Read on to hear more from SPIRE about their efforts.

The story:

SPIRE Credit Union and their members along with KS95 listeners, and animal lovers all throughout Minnesota came together to raise tens of thousands of dollars for Secondhand Hounds through the Buck$ for Babe fundraiser.

Buck$ for Babe is a partnership between SPIRE Credit Union and local radio station KS95 to raise funds for pet rescue, Secondhand Hounds. The fundraiser was born in 2022 to honor Babe, the late beloved black lab of SPIRE member and KS95 Morning Show host, Crisco. That initial campaign brought in nearly $100,000 in donations.

This year, SPIRE members and KS95 listeners responded to the donation appeal again, raising another $80,000. SPIRE made a $25,000 matching gift both years, bringing the credit union’s total Buck$ for Babe contribution to $50,000.

SPIRE Credit Union’s core purpose is to improve lives and give back to its members, employees, and communities. SPIRE’s Give Back programs encompass financial donations, in-kind gifts, employee volunteerism, and more. You can learn more at www.myspire.com/giveback.