WAUSAU – Connexus Credit Union’s philanthropic program, Connexus Cares, announced a record total annual donation amount in 2021 of $2.5 million, the credit union said in a news release.
Strategic areas of focus for Connexus Cares include national charities, food pantries, shelters and programs that provide services for at-risk youths, seniors, and veterans. In 2021, national charities, such as United Way and Ronald McDonald House Charities, received over $358,000 in support. Food pantries and shelters received over $346,000 and $338,000, respectively. At-risk youth programs, like the Boys & Girls Club, collectively received over $195,000, and programs supporting seniors and veterans each received over $180,000 and $170,000, respectively.
Additionally, Connexus Cares announced its largest donation to date in March 2021: $1 million to Community Partners Campus, which offers the Greater Wausau community a functional, collaborative, shared space for organizations with a mission-driven purpose and focus on food, clothing, shelter, medical and mental health care, and social wellbeing. In September, Connexus Cares announced its second-largest contribution to date, benefitting Feeding Our Communities with United Services’ (FOCUS) building relocation project. Connexus Cares matched donations dollar-for-dollar up to $125,000 toward the project. FOCUS was established in 2020 to address food insecurity in Wisconsin’s South Wood County by joining together three local nonprofits.
“I’m beyond grateful that Connexus Cares was once again able to make a positive impact in the communities our employees and members call home, with donations totaling over $2.5 million,” said Boyd Gustke, Connexus president and CEO. “But more than that, I’m humbled to be a part of an organization that values respect and wellbeing, with a goal to reach as many individuals and families in need as possible through our charitable giving initiatives. 2021 was a fantastic year for giving back, and we’re looking forward to doing more in 2022.”
