Concern for community spurs cooperative donation from two local companies.
Montana fires have affected many customers and employees of both Blackfoot and Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) this summer. The cooperatives share many of the same service areas and wanted to help their neighbors.
The respective Board of Trustees from each organization expressed a desire to aid their local communities impacted by the devastating fire season. The CEOs from both companies were quick to collaborate.
Jason Williams from Blackfoot and Mark Hayden from MEC issued a joint statement: “We are pleased to pledge $10,000 to the United Way of Missoula County Fire Fund. Blackfoot and MEC care deeply about our communities, and we’re committed to helping our member-owners, neighbors and employees receive much needed aid in the aftermath of this fire season. Both of our work forces are focused on helping those in need, and we are proud to provide relief for many through this donation, including our business community and schools.”
Susan Hay Patrick, CEO of United Way of Missoula County, expressed her gratitude for the donation. “We are very appreciative of the financial help from Blackfoot and Missoula Electric Cooperative. Both organizations are well known for their philanthropy and this is especially meaningful since they provide critical services to fire camps, and therefore, have a first-hand look at the destruction that has impacted thousands of Montanans. This money will have a great impact on helping their service communities recover.”
To donate or learn more about the United Way Fire Fund, visit: http://www.missoulaunitedway.org/.