Prairie Pride Credit Union wrapped up its three-part community BBQ series, raising funds for important local organizations across its branch communities.
General Manager Dean Copeland said giving back is central to their mission as a cooperative. “It’s actually in our mission statement, being devoted to people and communities,” he explained.
The BBQs were held at each branch location, with proceeds going to different causes. Gainsborough raised $815 for the local splash park and pool, Alida brought in $672 for the fire department, and Alameda finished off with more than $1,000 for the curling club.
Copeland said supporting local groups is a way of strengthening the small communities they serve. “With our three locations, combined, we’re less than a thousand total population, so anything that we can give back is greatly appreciated,” he said.
Prairie Pride staff are also heavily involved outside of work. The organization’s 22 employees collectively contribute between 1,000 and 1,500 volunteer hours each year. “It’s part of our DNA,” Copeland noted. “For myself, I’ve probably got 150 volunteer hours already this year, and that’s kind of par for the course for a lot of people.”
Beyond BBQs and sponsorships, Prairie Pride also runs Project Pride, a grant program that has given over $550,000 back to community groups since 2008. “It’s more than just dollars and cents,” Copeland said. “We try to support as much as we can.”
The credit union’s motto is “Locally Invested, Exceptionally Driven,” and Copeland said their approach is to let each branch decide which groups to support, since they know the needs of their towns best.