Gesa Credit Union Donates $15,000 to American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign

Pictured from left to right: Michele Roth, Executive Director for American Red Cross serving Central and Southeastern WA, Cody Campbell, Disaster Program Manager for American Red Cross serving Central and Southeastern WA, Marisol Peralta, Community Relations Specialist I for Gesa Credit Union

Gesa Credit Union, a long-time supporter and partner of the American Red Cross, announced a donation of $15,000 to support home fire preparedness, response and recovery efforts throughout Washington. The gift includes $5,000 to the local Red Cross chapter which serves families in Central and Southeastern Washington, as well as $2,500 each to the Red Cross Northwest Region and chapters headquartered in Spokane, Tacoma and Seattle.

“Gesa Credit Union is honored to support the American Red Cross with all the amazing work they do for our community,” said Angie Brotherton, Assistant Vice President of Community Relations for Gesa Credit Union. “It’s important not only for everyone to be prepared in case of a home fire, but for there to also be the right response and recovery efforts in place to help those affected.”

Home fires continue to be the most frequent disaster to which the Red Cross responds. Since January 1, Red Cross volunteers have helped over 1,100 people with critical basic needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance, and recovery planning following 305 home fires throughout the Northwest Region. In Central & Southeast Washington, the Red Cross has responded to almost 50 home fires and provided aid to 249 individuals.

"We are grateful for the partnership between Gesa Credit Union and the Red Cross. The Home Fire Campaign has saved at least 875 lives across the country since launching in 2014 and with Gesa's support, we will continue to help even more families in need," said local Red Cross Executive Director Michele Roth.

In addition to the financial donation, volunteers from Gesa Credit Union have been educating people across the Northwest region about home fire safety by offering FREE Homes Made Safer calls (by appointment). Anyone can request a free home fire education call by:

• Visiting redcross.org/nwhomefire
• Calling 1-833-918-1531