SHOWCASE MAGAZINE | BEST OF 2021
SERVICES
O Bee Credit Union—Giving Back through the Pandemic With a rich history, a mandate to serve, and a commitment to community, O Bee Credit Union donated over $50,000 to local charitable organizations during Covid-19. Through their combined “Masks-forCharity” initiative and Brewhouse t-shirt donations, O Bee donated proceeds to more than eight local charities. After witnessing the effects of COVID-19 on locals, O Bee searched for a way to help those struggling in the communities they served. When the statewide mask mandate went into effect, it sparked an idea. “We thought, why not offer our iconic Olympia, Rainier and Pabst beer logos on masks in exchange for a small donation?” said Lee Wojnar, Vice President of Marketing. The new mask fundraising initiatives brought in about $30,000, coupled with their traditional Brewhouse t-shirts sales of $20,000. Many people offered well over the $5 suggested contribution for the masks, which maximized the money raised. Soon after, O Bee began donating money to community organizations focused on helping those impacted by the pandemic. O Bee donated between $3,000 and $10,000 each to the following nonprofits:
• Thurston County Food Bank &
•
24
Nourish Pierce County. Both food banks faced shortages when a surge in demand doubled as more people relied on their services. Family Support Center. Among its many services, it operates Pear Blossom Place — a 24/7 family shelter in Olympia that was impacted by a fire.
showcasemedialive.com
• Little Red Schoolhouse. Little Red
•
•
•
Schoolhouse provides school supplies, backpacks, and gently used clothes to students in need. Homeless Backpacks. This organization is committed to fighting food insecurity for homeless children and teens in local communities. The United Way of the Pacific Northwest’s Wildfire Relief Fund. The fund helps those affected by the wildfires in the Pacific Northwest. Family Education and Support Services. The Resilience Center provides critical services to families to help keep children safe.
• Community Youth Services. CYS •
provides short or long-term care for youth needing a safe, nurturing home. Olympia Tumwater Foundation. This organization carries on the Schmidt Family philanthropic legacy.
vLYNN CASTLE O Bee Credit Union obee.com