GREAT FALLS, MONTANA, Sept. 8, 2017—Opportunity Bank of Montana has given the American Red Cross of Montana nearly $8,000 to help with wildfire relief efforts.

Besides giving a corporate gift, Opportunity Bank also organized a fundraiser encouraging its employees and customers to support Montana Red Cross’ efforts to help those affected by Montana’s wildfires.

“Opportunity Bank of Montana has a culture of giving back,” said Pete Johnson, Opportunity Bank of Montana president and CEO. “The idea to raise money, and create a wildfire fund in partnership with American Red Cross of Montana, came from our staff. I am very proud of their efforts and how our communities united in support of the firefighters, and the people directly impacted by the wildfires. As a community bank, it is important for us to pull together and help our neighbors in times of crisis like this.”

Because of severe drought, Montana has faced an especially active wildfire season affecting all corners of the state this summer. In July alone, the state saw more acreage burned than entire Montana wildfire seasons.

The American Red Cross of Montana has responded by opening several shelters for families forced from their homes because of evacuations, including facilities in Eureka, Florence, Hays, Helena, Jordan, Libby, Missoula, Plains, Potomac, Roundup, Superior and Wolf Creek. Those shelters provide families with a place to stay, meals, water, snacks and information about disaster-related resources in their communities. All Red Cross services are free.

“This fundraising effort and gift from Opportunity Bank of Montana comes at a critical time during our wildfire relief efforts,” said Diane Wright, the executive director of Red Cross of Montana. “Since July, the Montana Red Cross has opened at least 18 shelters across the state and provided much needed resources for those impacted by the wildfires.”

Opportunity Bank will continue to accept donations at any of its locations across Montana.

To donate directly to the American Red Cross of Montana, visit http://www.redcross.org/local/montana, call 800-272-6668 or mail a check to American Red Cross of Montana, 1300 28th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or facebook.com/redcrossmontana.