Mass. Credit Unions Continue Legacy of Support to Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless

A donation by the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA), on behalf of Massachusetts Credit Unions, will help the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless lead a major awareness and fundraising campaign for “A Bed for Every Child”, a Coalition initiative providing beds for underserved children.

"We are so fortunate to have Massachusetts Credit Unions as a partner as we spotlight the A Bed for Every Child program and its important mission to distribute beds to children in need,” said Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director Robyn Frost. “The credit unions have been exemplary partners over the last two decades and we are excited to have them inspire others through their leadership to help us raise funds for the distribution of 1,500 beds this year."

Massachusetts Credit Unions have supported the Coalition for more than two decades, raising nearly $2 million and providing blankets, toys, books, and heat to help families in need. In 2016, they raised $150,000 through efforts including an appeal for donations that funded 130 beds; the distribution of 825 blankets; RTN Federal Credit Union’s “Walk Home” charity walk; Stephen D. Jones Charity Golf Tournament; chocolate candy bar drive; silent auction; and generous donations from many credit unions. Most recently, they hosted a bed-building challenge with East Boston Savings Bank and served as a lead sponsor of the coalition’s "Dream Big" Gala on May 17.

The Coalition’s new campaign will feature a statewide tour by “Tuck,” a life-size bear and the “A Bed for Every Child” mascot, through the credit unions, and a social media initiative, #sharethebear.
“The idea of so many children not having their own bed is unimaginable,” said Paul Gentile, president/CEO, CCUA. “As cooperatives, Massachusetts Credit Unions work together to support A Bed for Every Child and continue to make a great impact throughout the state as a core partner of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. We believe in the good work that the Coalition does and are happy to do our part in helping children get a good night’s sleep to prepare them for a better future.”

Frost said she looks forward to the partnership with CCUA during 2017. “It is an awesome way to help us give children in need a good night’s sleep.”

To learn more about Massachusetts Credit Unions visit www.bettervaluesbetterbanking.com. To learn more about A Bed for Every Child, visit abedforeverychild.org.

Photo caption:
Cooperative
Credit Union Association President/CEO Paul Gentile, members of the Massachusetts Credit Unions Social Responsibility Committee and Karla DiDonato from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless gather for a photo with Tuck the Bear.

Front row, L-R: Charlene Bauer, Metro CU; Sarita Ledani, RTN FCU; Debra Lee Surface, St. Jean’s CU; Paul Marotta, Hanscom FCU; and DiDonato. Back row, L-R: Luis Soares, Workers CU; Scott Flagg, Jeanne D’Arc CU; Gentile; David Plantier, MassMutual FCU; Rui Domingos, Naveo CU; and Jon Reske, UMassFive College FCU.