Jan. 1, 1970
Rize CU Helps Pack 1,000 ‘Comfort Cases’ for Foster Youth
LOS ANGELES – Rize Credit Union, Comfort Cases and Barely Canadian came together to pack 1,000 Comfort Cases (600 in California and 400 in Nevada) with new, essential comfort and personal care items, including pajamas, blankets, hygiene kits, books, journals, and stuffed animals, along with a Barely Canadian hoodie.
The packing party and donation is a result of Rize Credit Union’s commitment to donate a Comfort Case backpack and Barely Canadian hoodie to youth in foster care for every new account opened during National Foster Care Awareness Month in May, the credit union said.
The filled Comfort Cases were presented to local social service organizations that attended the packing party, who will then distribute them to Los Angeles youth entering and exiting the foster care system.
Rize Cu said the announcement expands its investment in the community following a $1 million, five-year partnership with the YMCA-LA, and the unveiling of their Youth Access Banking program that allows youth in foster care as young as 13 to open their own free checking and savings accounts without an adult co-owner, with Rize CU providing an initial $5 deposit to establish the account.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Comfort Cases and Barely Canadian to drive a larger impact with youth in foster care, ” President and CEO Jennifer Oliver said in a statement. “These organizations share our commitment to uplift some of the most vulnerable in our community. This packing party truly exemplifies our dedication to ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect and when we do that, we all rise.”
Barely Canadian is a family business that creates incredibly soft apparel and supports youth in foster care through donating a percentage of sales to foster care nonprofits. Each donated Comfort Case and Barely Canadian hoodie has a combined value of over $400.
Rize CU said there are roughly 60,000 children in California’s foster care system; nationwide, with approximately 700 children entering foster care every day. As they begin their journey in the foster care system, they have historically and disrespectfully been given a black trash bag to carry their few belongings.
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