Chinook Financial raises funds for fire victims

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Chinook Financial’s local branch is partnering with various community groups in three provincial communities to collect money for victims of the recent wildfires in southern Alberta.
The financial institution – a division of Connect First Credit Union – set up crisis intervention funds for residents of Wheatland County, Empress and Hilda who lost their homes, livestock or farm land in the blazes.
While donations can be made at any of their 27 branches in 14 communities, Chinook Financial also committed to matching funds to a maximum of $5,000.
To date, $900 have been received from the public in donations, with just $100 of those funds directed to the Wheatland Fire Relief Fund.
“We’ve grown up as a local credit union in southern Alberta and at moments like this they don’t just affect our members, they affect our employees, they affect our communities that we live, work and love to be in,” said Megan Douglas, brand and communications manager with Chinook Financial.
“It’s our first and foremost duty that our members are OK when moments like this hit. We’re also working proactively with any members who have been personally impacted by the fires to ensure that they’ve got some relief set up to make sure they’re able to get through this challenging time.”
On Oct. 17, the Wheatland County communities of Carseland and Gleichen experienced rapidly moving wildfires fueled by extremely high winds. The regions were among 10 communities that faced evacuations in six counties and municipal districts.
It took the efforts of farmers, volunteers, public works members and 130 firefighters from Wheatland County, Siksika, the County of Newell, the County of Rocky View and Strathmore to battle the inferno, protect property, set up reception centres and aid in the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents.
With the loss of livestock, the devastation of a couple of farms and land, as well as missing pets, the financial establishment stepped up to the plate.
“Agriculture is the heartbeat of rural Alberta, and I love how Albertans always come together to support each other in times of need,” said Scot Hadden, president of Chinook Financial. “This is our community. It’s important that we at Chinook Financial do our part to support those impacted in our communities by the recent fires.”
While donations will be accepted at all locations, they can also be made by mailing a cheque to the Brooks or Strathmore branch addressed to the Wheatland Fire Relief Fund, the Empress Fire Relief Fund or the Hilda Fire Relief Fund.
Those directly affected by the fires can contact Chinook Financial to establish a financial plan and learn about necessary relief options by calling the Member Care Centre at 1-844-685-6225.