Red Canoe Credit Union “Filled the Canoe” With $130,000 for Local Schools

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on September 14, 2026

Red Canoe partnering with We Love Our City of Federal Way and Federal Way Public Schools

Red Canoe Credit Union’s annual Fill the Canoe school-readiness campaign generated a record $130,038 in total community impact, demonstrating how credit unions can leverage member engagement, community partnerships, and cooperative values to address local needs.

The 2026 campaign produced the strongest results in the program’s history, collecting 31,888 pounds of school supplies as well as monetary donations. Through Red Canoe’s generous matching commitment, a total of over $130,000 was donated in cash and supplies to schools in four counties throughout the Northwest.

“Fill the Canoe demonstrates the credit union philosophy of people helping people in action,” said Amy Davis, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at Red Canoe Credit Union. “What makes this effort successful is the collaboration among members, employees, local businesses, schools, and nonprofit partners. Together, we’re investing in student readiness and creating opportunities for young people to start the school year with confidence.”

The campaign’s growth was driven by expanded participation channels, increased employee involvement, and strong engagement across Red Canoe’s Washington and Oregon markets. More than 4,500 backpacks were donated, while employee fundraising efforts generated more than $5,000 to support the cause.

Since its launch nearly two decades ago, Fill the Canoe has generated more than $800,000 in cumulative community impact, evolving into one of the credit union’s signature community outreach initiatives. The program reflects a broader commitment among credit unions to strengthen financial well-being and support the communities they serve beyond traditional banking services

As cooperative financial institutions continue to seek meaningful ways to demonstrate community value, programs such as Fill the Canoe highlight the unique role credit unions play in bringing together members, employees, and community partners to address local challenges and create lasting impact.

Posted in Community Impact, Oregon, Regional Member News, Washington.