Children and their families who find themselves at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte will have a new place to take a respite come this fall, thanks to a project coordinated by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) that just received a $25,000 donation by Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).
The CCUF is taking the local lead to organize this project, which is being spearheaded by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). The idea is to rally credit unions in the communities surrounding the two cities hosting the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Charlotte is hosting the democratic convention this September.
LGFCU’s donation will go toward the renovation of a rooftop garden that serves as a playground and retreat for children and their families who find themselves at the hospital. After the Levine renovation, the CCUF seeks to accomplish a similar goal for a South Carolina children’s hospital. The financial target for the two-phased project in North and South Carolina is $600,000.
“We hope the two-phased approach will help build political goodwill for the two states,” explains CCUF President John McGrail. “As the conventions bring the national spotlight to our area, we have the opportunity to shine a light on all the great things credit unions do in their communities every day.”
LGFCU President Maurice Smith would like to see other credit unions follow suit to ensure this project is a success.
“I issue a challenge to other credit unions,” says Smith. “This is our time to pull together and truly make a difference in the lives of the children in this hospital and their families. When all eyes are on us, let’s show the kinds of great things we can do.”