Wells Fargo will contribute $27,000 to 10 nonprofits to recognize the valuable contributions the company’s Arizona team members have made to the groups.  The contributions are made through Wells Fargo’s Volunteer Service Award program which recognizes Wells Fargo team members who make an exceptional impact through volunteerism. The nonprofit where each winner volunteers receives a grant from Wells Fargo.

One Arizona nonprofit organization will receive a $10,000 contribution, two will receive $5,000, and seven will receive $1,000 to honor the extraordinary volunteer contributions of our Arizona team members who were recognized.  The top three Volunteer Service Award winners in Arizona and their associated nonprofit organizations are:

  • Bikers Against Child Abuse – $10,000 on behalf of volunteer Shirley Kruger, Corporate Risk information security engineer.  Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) Maricopa County chapter focuses on creating an environment for abused children in which they can feel safe and not afraid.  Kruger of Tempe has volunteered for Bikers Against Child Abuse for more three years in a variety of ways that impact the children being protected and supported. If there is a specific threat against a child, she and other volunteers will stand outside the home of the child 24 hours a day until the threat is resolved or the child feels safe. Children are assigned two members that they can call any time, day or night, 365 days a year. The two primaries check in regularly by phone and by visiting for months afterwards. If there is a court case, volunteers escort families from home to court, into the courtroom and then home again so they are safe.
  • Boxer Luv Rescue – $5,000 on behalf of Karol Como, Technology & Operations senior HR business partner.  Boxer Luv Rescue’s mission is to give new life to homeless Boxers and Boxer mixes from shelters and Humane Societies, strays wandering the streets, and owner turn-ins from people who no longer are able to care for their dogs due to financial hardship, medical issues, or those who simply do not want their pets any longer.  In addition to applying her skills and passion to a role on the organizations board of directors, Como of  Scottsdale was instrumental in the start-up, remodeling, recruitment of volunteers, mentoring of volunteers and creating the processes necessary to begin a new thrift ship which now serves as an important component to Boxer Luv Rescue’s ongoing fundraising needs.
  • Southwest Lending Closet – $5,000 on behalf of Ann Van Kerkwyk, Technology & Operations tech relationship manager.  The mission of the Southwest Lending Closet is to lend home health equipment to all in need.  The Closet provides the only service of its kind, although there are other organizations that lend medical equipment for a fee (rent/lease).  Van Kerkwyk of Avondale began volunteering at Southwest Lending Closet two years ago. She helps people of all ages just leaving the hospital, doctor’s office or care facility who have nowhere else to turn to get the equipment they need to maintain their mobility and independence. In addition to volunteering at the Closet, Ann serves on the board of directors and has been the treasurer since January 2014.

“Our Arizona Volunteer Service Award winners have shown an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities,” said Pam Conboy, Arizona lead regional president. “Our team members recognize the importance of supporting the health and vitality of our local communities and they are sharing their time and talents to help neighborhoods and the entire community.  Their giving spirits not only help communities but also help us better determine how the company can support and enhance communities.”

The 10 team members in Arizona are among 224 U.S. and international Wells Fargo team members to receive a Volunteer Service Award in 2015. Team members are encouraged to nominate their co-workers or themselves and a committee of fellow employees chooses the winners based on the nominee’s dedication to the nonprofit, time volunteered, effectiveness of their work, and the potential impact of the award on the community the nonprofit serves. The nonprofits receive grants from Wells Fargo ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. This year, nonprofits received $528,000 through the Wells Fargo Volunteer Service Award program. This is the program’s 37th year.

 

Volunteerism is a strong component of Wells Fargo’s culture. More than 38,000 team members belong to one of 115 Wells Fargo Volunteer Chapters. These community-based chapters organize local volunteer activities for Wells Fargo team members. In 2014, 64,350 team members volunteered 1.74 million hours with nonprofits and Wells Fargo donated $281.2 million to 17,100 nonprofits.