Service is at the core of who Wescom is. Whether we're serving our members in the branch, through our digital channels, or serving our communities at local food banks, our mission is to exceed expectations in everything we do. We know that it's important for our values to align with yours, which is why we are embarking on new endeavors that will aid in our purpose of building better lives for all.
Our founding principle of “people-helping-people” not only means providing financial products and services, but also includes community giving and volunteerism. This year alone, through four member-donation campaigns, matched in part by the Credit Union, the Wescom Foundation raised more than $481,000. To date, the Wescom Foundation has donated more than $4.9 million to non-profit organizations. In addition to the donations, Wescom Team Members have also volunteered thousands of hours to help those in need.
Every decision we make as an organization is to better serve our members and communities.On October 11 and 12, 2023, the Wescom Bike MS Team, with nearly 90 riders, once again participated in the Bike MS: Bay to Bay 100-mile ride down the coast of Southern California from Irvine to San Diego to increase awareness and raise more than $178,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. Since 2007, Wescom has raised more than $1.8 million to support the cause.
We are proud to be an integral part of the Bruin community. Last year, we launched our second Name Image and Likeness (NIL) partnership with all 12 members of the entire UCLA Women's Basketball team and their Head Coach, Cori Close. This trailblazing partnership not only furthers our already deep connections with UCLA Athletics but helps advance the women's athletic program. To formalize our existing donation efforts to the Bruin community, we've created the “Wescom Fund for UCLA.” Every year, for the next five years, Wescom will donate $35,000 to UCLA Campus Life and Recreation to support Bruin students and staff with basic needs — such as transportation and childcare — and disaster relief and preparation.
We opened our 25th branch in West Los Angeles, situated right below the apartment units that house UCLA medical students. The branch is also conveniently located to serve the needs of our existing Wescom members and the community of West Los Angeles.
As we look to bring premier banking to more Californians, and on the heels of our announcement to merge with Central Coast Federal Credit Union and now serve an additional 13 counties in California, we announced that Wescom is now the Official Banking Partner of Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Soak City Water Park, Knott's Berry Farm Marketplace, and the Knott's Berry Farm Hotel. This partnership with Knott's allows us to share the Wescom difference to theme park guests, season pass holders, and Knott's associates. We look forward to opening a new branch in the Knotts Marketplace and introducing the Knott's Berry Farm Visa® card.
Every decision we make as an organization is to better serve our members and communities. This drive towards services allows us to grow as a Credit Union and become the premium banking partner for more Californians.
We look forward to an exciting year ahead working towards our purpose of building better lives for all.