Financial institution donates $1M to coronavirus relief efforts

TAMPA — Suncoast Credit Union will donate $1 million to local organizations providing relief to people who have been physically and economically harmed by the COVID-19 crisis. 

According to a press release, Suncoast’s donations, which range from $25,000 to $100,000, will support health care, education and anti-hunger initiatives. Recipients include Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, Tampa General Hospital, Meals on Wheels of Tampa, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, United Way of Lee County and the Hernando County Food Bank, among others.

The $1 million donation is being made separately from the Tampa-based credit union’s charitable foundation and is the first gift of its size in the institution’s 86-year history, the release states. 

“While we are focused on supporting our members financially, we feel a moral obligation to support other basic needs during this very challenging time,” Suncoast Credit Union President and CEO Kevin Johnson states in the release. “We admire and are inspired by other charitable organizations who are providing relief through private donations like ours. People are struggling through no fault of their own and because of the support of our board of directors, Suncoast is committed to doing what we can to address these serious needs.”

With $11.4 billion in assets and more than 884,000 members in 39 Florida counties, Suncoast is the largest credit union in the Sunshine State, based on membership.