Service Credit Union and Mountain America Credit Union both recently highlighted philanthropic efforts to push benefiting organizations toward fund-raising goals surpassing $500,000.

Beginning first in Portsmouth, N.H., Service Credit Union has teamed up with Charlie McAvoy, a star defenseman who wears No. 73 on his hockey uniform for the Boston Bruins. They’re now working together to highlight 73 reasons to give back to first responders.

Service CU is donating $100 for every blocked shot and $1,000 for every shutout by the Bruins to cover heart disease and cancer screenings for first responders, which are often not covered by insurance.

The institution said these screenings are crucial for those in the line of duty, who are much more likely than the general population to suffer from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

While the campaign kicked off in October with an initial monetary commitment of $100,000, Service CU recently announced up to an additional $100,000 for a total of $200,000 during the duration of the “73 Reasons” campaign.

“I’m really excited about this program. This really gives them the opportunity to get in front of it because with early detection and early screening, you can save lives,” McAvoy said in a news release.

First responders applauded the effort.

“Our biggest asset is our people, and it’s becoming more and more prevalent that we’re exposed to more and more toxins every day, so early detection of any type of cancer is huge towards survival,” Waltham fire chief Randy Mullin said.

“This initiative is incredibly important, and we are excited to see the impact this effort will make for first responders in New England. We are grateful to Service Credit Union for their dedication to the health and safety of firefighters,” said Brian Ryll, president of the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire.

Jaime Yates is assistant vice president of community development at Service Credit Union

“New England’s first responders put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day. Service CU is committed to providing the support they need to serve for years to come,” Yates said.

For more information, and to track the progress of “73 Reasons” donations, visit servicecu.org/73reasons.

Mountain America and Humane Society of Utah unite for record-breaking holiday match challenge

Out West, Mountain America Credit Union made a matching donation of $30,000 for the Humane Society of Utah’s Holiday Match Challenge that ran from Dec. 15-31.

All told, the results were impressive, with more than $282,859 raised from 1,745 donors, along with the matching donation, bringing the total campaign dollars raised to $312,859.

The effort provides essential funding for lifesaving veterinary care and the rescue of more than 6,000 animals in need throughout the year.

Officials said the funds will enable HSU to go beyond basic shelter services and support comprehensive programs, including advanced veterinary care, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines for the community, pet retention, humane education and a behavior training program.

Sharon Cook, chief marketing officer at Mountain America Credit Union, expressed the credit union’s commitment to HSU’s mission, stating, “Mountain America is honored to help the Humane Society of Utah with its life-saving mission by offering this match to provide critical care to the animals at the shelter.

“Since 2016, we have partnered with the Humane Society of Utah to help nearly 1,200 pets find their forever homes. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these pets and appreciate the community’s support as we all work together to provide critical care and save as many lives as possible,” Cook continued.

Brittani Forbush, vice president of corporate partnerships at Mountain America Credit Union, thanked the community for generous contributions.

“With your support, we were able to provide care for over 300 pets for one month,” Forbush said. “The Humane Society of Utah is experiencing a record number of surrenders, so this match came at a critical time. We are grateful for the community’s overwhelming support.”

HSU development director Shannon Egan also expressed gratitude for this collaboration.

“The Humane Society of Utah is thankful for Mountain America Credit Union joining hands with us and extending their support to the homeless pets of Utah. Their generous contribution is helping us provide care and support to these animals, giving them a second chance at life and a loving home,” Egan said.

For more information about the Humane Society of Utah, visit utahhumane.org.