Every purchase with the new card supports education, conservation, and marine wildlife care at no extra cost to you.
Central Willamette Credit Union (CWCU) and the Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) are proud to launch a new debit card that supports education, conservation, and marine wildlife care along the Oregon Coast. Each time the card is used, CWCU will donate a portion of every purchase—at no additional cost to cardholders—to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
“At CWCU, we believe financial empowerment and community well-being go hand in hand,” David Dirks, CWCU’s Chief Marketing Officer, said. “This card makes it easy for members to support conservation, education, and stewardship along the Oregon Coast, not just for now but for generations to come.”
CWCU’s Community Impact Debit Card program is a natural fit for OCAq’s mission. The Aquarium is a major Oregon institution that connects millions of visitors to the Pacific Ocean and its wildlife—this card helps sustain that impact. As members use the card, routine spending is turned into consistent community support. The give-back funds are unrestricted, which gives the Aquarium the flexibility to address evolving needs—from marine wildlife care to education programming that helps inspire future ocean advocates. Both organizations are committed to investing in the future and not just meeting today’s needs.
“This new card will turn everyday choices into an ongoing, lasting impact that strengthens our communities and protects the ocean life that makes Oregon’s coast so special,” Carrie Lewis, OCAq’s President and CEO said.
This is CWCU’s seventh Community Impact Debit Card, reinforcing its dedication to local education and community investment. Since the program’s inception in 2018, CWCU has returned more than $100,000 to its current give back community partners, which also includes Samaritan Foundation, Linn-Benton Community College, and West Albany, South Albany, Lebanon, and Jefferson high schools.
The card is now available at all 10 CWCU branch locations throughout the Willamette Valley and includes Bend and Newport.
About Central Willamette Credit Union
Central Willamette Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to serving the needs of its members and strengthening the communities it calls home. With more than $600+ million in assets and a growing presence across the region, CWCU operates 10 full-service branches from the coast to the Cascades and throughout the Central Willamette Valley.
