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2023 Community Committment Awards Submission

  • Entry Category: Volunteerism
  • Asset Size: Small

July 28, 2022 Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency following devastating flooding in Eastern Kentucky. The floods led to at least 43 deaths and catastrophic damage. Entire homes and parts of communities were swept away by flood waters. Over 600 helicopter rescues and countless swift water rescues by boat were needed to evacuate people. While none of our banking centers were directly impacted, thousands of our state's most vulnerable residents were left without homes. The situation moved our bank's leadership team into quick action, first providing funding then physical support, via our Eastern Kentucky Relief Fund (EKRF) and Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) Volunteer Team.

PHASE 1) Traditional Bank created the relief fund and opened it to public donations, including employees. To encourage donations, the bank offered a $50,000 match. We chose to partner with established non-profit Christian Appalachian Project, who had the infrastructure in place to distribute critical supplies very quickly. The bank promoted the fund on our website, social media, and local news media. In August 2022, the bank donated $135,000 to CAP by way of funds raised and the match.

PHASE 2) 34 Traditional Bank employees volunteered to repair homes in Eastern Kentucky, leaving at 5 am and driving over 2 hours to work 8 to 10-hour shifts. Crews worked tirelessly tearing out and replacing insulation, attaching new siding, and mucking out home sites encased in mud and debris.

PHASE 3) Traditional Bank employees and management were so inspired by the project the bank initiated a new policy where all employees, regardless of role, will receive 2 paid days annually to volunteer with a non-profit of their choosing.

Videos: https://fb.watch/lyOSDgwQdY/ https://fb.watch/lyO_Tb6MiW/