Horizon Credit Union halts operation for day of service

On Sept. 17 Horizon Credit Union Go-Givers ditched the office to finish the workday volunteering in their local communities. 

The date marked Horizon’s 7th annual Go.Give.Grow. event, the credit union’s largest community outreach event of the year. Operations closed at noon, allowing all employees, leaders and board members to volunteer as a unified team. This year, 350 team members volunteered a total of 1,400 hours at 20 food banks and non-profits throughout Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho — including Sandpoint — building on Horizon’s commitment to address food and housing insecurity in the communities it serves

Volunteers focused on enhancing community health by supporting organizations dedicated to addressing hunger and housing challenges. Due to increased food and housing costs, Horizon’s work in these areas is more important than ever. Horizon’s Go-Givers also helped in thrift stores that provide jobs and fund local non-profit organizations, while remote employees made cards for isolated seniors. 

In just one afternoon, Horizon team members moved, sorted and repackaged 116,543 pounds of food; reorganized and relocated 10,500 pounds of building supplies; sorted and reorganized 18,150 pounds of clothing, shoes, diapers and toiletries; beautified and deep cleaned community facilities; and made 2,100 cards for isolated seniors. 

“I look forward to this day all year,” said Stefanie Robinson, vice president of marketing and digital strategy. “It connects us with the community and our co-workers in an impactful and energized way. Credit unions are known for giving back, and this event showcases our commitment to serving and connecting with our members and communities.”

Since its inception, Go.Give.Grow has expanded significantly. In 2018, the event benefitted 13 organizations. This year it benefitted 20, reflecting Horizon Credit Union’s continuing commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves.

Though Go.Give.Grow is the most exciting volunteer day of the year, making a difference is not a one-day event at Horizon. Volunteering and contributing to the community are integral parts of Horizon’s mission. In addition to closing one afternoon each year, employees are given 24 hours of paid volunteer time annually to use during work hours. On top of that, any employee who volunteers 100 or more hours in a calendar year (on or off the clock) is recognized with a $500 donation to a 501c3 of their choice.