Feeding the Community: The Great Falls Bank Challenge Unites for a Cause

The Great Falls Bank Challenge, a highly anticipated annual event, is set to kick off its 16th edition next week. This canned food drive, organized to support the Great Falls Community Food Bank, has become a cherished tradition that brings the community together in the fight against hunger.

Empowering the Community, One Can at a Time

Rallying the Community for a Worthy Cause

The Great Falls Bank Challenge is a collaborative effort that spans from Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 16. During this period, customers of various banks and credit unions across Great Falls are encouraged to donate canned goods and non-perishable items at participating branches. This initiative not only fosters a sense of community but also directly addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity in the region.Crissy Agrimson, the Marketing Director of First Liberty Credit Union, eloquently captures the essence of the challenge, stating, "Ultimately it's to help the greater good of the community and to help those that are in need." This sentiment underscores the altruistic nature of the event, as banks and credit unions come together to make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing food scarcity.

A Friendly Rivalry Fueling Generosity

The Great Falls Bank Challenge is more than just a food drive; it's a friendly competition that brings out the best in the participating financial institutions. Each year, the banks and credit unions strive to surpass the previous year's record in donations, creating a spirited atmosphere of camaraderie and goodwill.Lee Diedrich, a Business Development Officer at Independence Bank, emphasizes the importance of the Great Falls Community Food Bank and the bank's commitment to supporting its vital work. "The Great Falls Community Food Bank, you know, they do wonderful stuff for the community and they're always out there trying to meet the needs of people that are in need of their services. So, we're going to participate best we can."This competitive spirit not only drives the banks to excel but also inspires the community to rally behind the cause, ensuring that the food bank's shelves remain well-stocked throughout the year.

A Lasting Impact: 15 Years of Giving

Over the past 15 years, the Great Falls Bank Challenge has made a significant impact on the community, with an impressive accumulation of around 125,000 pounds of food donated to the Great Falls Community Food Bank. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and generosity of the participating banks, credit unions, and the community as a whole.The food bank has expressed deep gratitude for the continued support, particularly during the summer months when donations tend to dwindle. Sandra Fermo of the food bank notes, "The community food bank is getting low on food as well as financial donations. And we've got, you know, six or eight weeks left of summer before we start seeing an increase in our donations again."The Great Falls Bank Challenge serves as a shining example of how a collaborative effort can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. By harnessing the collective power of the community, this annual event has become a beacon of hope, ensuring that no one in Great Falls goes hungry.

Participating Banks and Credit Unions: A Unified Front

The success of the Great Falls Bank Challenge is made possible by the participation of various banks and credit unions across the city. Customers can contribute to the cause by dropping off donations at the following institutions:- Bravera Bank- Family First FCU- First Interstate Bank- First Liberty FCU- Horizon Credit Union- Independence Bank- Montana Credit Union- Opportunity Bank of MTAt the end of the drive, the bank or credit union that collects the most donations will be awarded a trophy, further fueling the friendly competition and driving the community's collective efforts.The Great Falls Bank Challenge stands as a shining example of how a simple act of giving can have a profound impact on a community. By uniting financial institutions and their customers, this annual event has become a cherished tradition that continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.