FCCU Supports Make-A-Wish

This credit union raised $7,500 to grant one wish for a local teen who has been battling cancer; a tropical vacation becomes a long-awaited reality! 

First Community Credit Union (FCCU) recently completed fundraisers for their 2023 fourth quarter charity, supporting cancer causes and awareness. Each quarter FCCU employees choose different causes to support through raising money and awareness. The main focus for FCCU was to support Make-A-Wish through the Adopt-a-Wish program. Together with members and their communities, FCCU raised $7,500 and enough money to grant one wish for a Make-A-Wish child.
 
In January, FCCU was paired with their Wish Kid, Briley Thompson. Briley, a 16-year-old from Fargo, has been battling cancer since October 2021 and is now in remission. She went through many cycles of treatment at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo, both mentally and physically challenging. Briley’s wish was to go to a tropical island to relax with her best friend; the pair will head on vacation in March. The announcement of her wish being granted was made to Briley on the eve of Giving Hearts Day.
 
“Our staff truly rallied around this cause and our goal of reaching $7,500 for Adopt-A-Wish,” said Susan Long Swen, Event & Community Engagement Specialist. “With many staff having personal connections to cancer, it was an honor to support Briley’s wish and celebrate her as she moves forward.”
 
FCCU’s main fundraising activity included a pop-up store with co-branded Make-A-Wish and FCCU shirts worn for Wish Wednesdays. Other fundraising activities included World’s Finest Chocolate candy bar sales, a hockey themed silent auction, and Jeans Fridays. To provide tangible support to those battling cancer in our local communities, each branch participated in a supply drive mainly focused on collecting gas cards and comfort items.
 
During its 85-year history, First Community Credit Union has grown to be North Dakota’s largest Credit Union serving 23 communities. 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.