$20,000 IN GRANT FUNDS GIVEN TO BUSINESSES STRAINED BY HOLIDAY FARM FIRE
Pictured (from left): Orchid Health McKenzie River Clinic, George R Kruse Excavation, and Serendipity.
Springfield, OR — Under the micro-grant program funded by OCCU Foundation, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce provided checks ranging from $500 to $1,500 to 15 small businesses and non-profits impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire.
“The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce was honored to receive a $20,000 grant provided by the OCCU Foundation to help restore, rebuild, and return hope to businesses impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire,” said Chamber president and CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen.
Due to the lengthy processes and competition for other funding, the Chamber opened micro-grants to provide the gap funding necessary to meet the immediate needs of businesses affected by the Holiday Farm Fire in 2020.
“Though we are all struggling with hope through this rebuilding process, the generosity of others comes through as another stich in my faith that is so tightly woven,” says one grant recipient, George Kruse, George R Kruse Excavation.
“The businesses and residents up the McKenzie River have been through so much and getting funding for major repairs or rebuilding from government agencies or insurance companies can take a painfully long time,” Thompson acknowledged. “These funds are intended to help bridge the waiting period and help businesses in varying degrees of distress find hope while keeping things moving forward.”
These funds are intended to help bridge the waiting period and help businesses in varying degrees of distress find hope while keeping things moving forward.
Although there is still a long road ahead of recovery for all of the businesses and individuals impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire, the Springfield Chamber is incredibly grateful that with OCCU Foundation’s funds, some hope was granted to these 15 local businesses.
To learn more about some of the businesses who received these grants, check out their stories published in the local publication McKenzie River Reflections:
About OCCU Foundation (OCCUF)
OCCU Foundation (OCCUF) is the philanthropic arm of OCCU (Oregon Community Credit Union). Since its start in 2018, OCCUF has granted more than $1 million to help build happier and healthier communities by giving generously to projects that enrich lives, advance learning, improve well-being, and support communities. The foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded by OCCU, businesses, families, and individuals. To learn more, visit MyOCCU.org/Foundation.
About the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit association comprised of private, public, and non-profit organizations in the Springfield, Eugene, and surrounding communities. The Chamber offers programs and services to strengthen, represent, and promote business throughout the region. For more information about how to join or volunteer for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.springfield-chamber.org or call 541-746-1651.
