First Community Credit Union (FCCU) recently held fundraisers for their 2018 fourth quarter charity, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) through Credit Unions for Kids. Employees of FCCU choose a different organization each quarter to support by raising money and awareness. FCCU was able to donate $6,500 to CMNH, a network of hospitals that has been helping kids in need for over 30 years.

North Dakota’s local CMN hospital is Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. Since 1984, Sanford Children’s has served children and families as North Dakota’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Money raised for CMNH at Sanford Children’s helps to fund lifesaving medical equipment, special programs unique to sick and injured children, research and education. 

“It’s humbling to see the impact that a donation can make,” said Sharlene Mathisen, MSR Team Lead with FCCU. Mathison continued to share, “It was so nice getting to see a tour of the Children's Hospital in Fargo. We were able to see the amount of compassion and effort that staff provides to the children as well as their families. It's an honor to be able to donate to such a worthy cause.”

Funds were raised through various means including selling chocolate bars, casual Fridays, parking spot raffle, holiday icons, and Shop for Miracles, where FCCU made a donation on International Credit Union Day. In addition, FCCU staff provided free lunch that day for doctors, nurses and residents at Sanford Children's.

Credit Unions for Kids is a nonprofit collaboration of credit unions, chapters, leagues/associations and business partners from across the country, engaged in fundraising activities to benefit 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Adopted as the credit union movement’s charity of choice, they are the 3rd largest sponsor of CMN Hospitals. One hundred percent of every dollar donated through Credit Unions for Kids goes back to the local CMN Hospital.

During its 80-year history, First Community Credit Union has grown to be North Dakota’s largest Credit Union. As a credit union, FCCU is owned by its members. This is different than other financial institutions which are owned by a select group of stockholders. The Credit Union's profits are returned to the members in the form of better services, accounts, and favorable rates on savings and loans.