CHARLESTON, S.C. – South Carolina credit unions led by CPM Federal Credit Union here are getting the new year off to a rousing start by contributing sizable sums to that big "Victory Junction Camp" campaign, the CU fund-raiser in the Carolinas designed to aid seriously-ill kids. "This is a phenomenal campaign and we're glad we've been able to raise more than $20,000 from our employees, members, SEGS and by leaning on those businesses that make their money off credit unions," declared Russell Easterling, president/CEO of the $150 million Charleston CU. He said the charity campaign tied to Hollywood actor Paul Newman and which has its goal to open CU-named youth cabins and other facilities on donated camp property in Randleman, N.C., represents an opportunity for CUs "to really show their social responsibility." Which is why, he said, CPM has been soliciting not only SEGS but CU vendors. "I've got thousand dollar donations from Harland and from Mead and I expect to get more," referring to contributions from the check vendor and the paper products supplier. In listing its collections, CPM said so far it has collected $7, 460 from SEGs; $2,910 from direct member solicitations and $10,500 from "other CU sources." In addition, "we are in the midst of a T-shirt campaign that will raise about $6,000," said Easterling. Meanwhile, Family Trust FCU in Rock Hill raised $16,000 in a three-month period ending Dec. 1. SPC Cooperative CU in Hartsville raised over $3,300 with a combination of in-branch fundraisers and a local fashion show. North Carolina CUs started the ball rolling on Victory Junction nearly a year ago, and between the North and South Carolina Credit Union Leagues and the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation more than $250,000 has been raised toward a $500,000 goal. The moneys will go toward building two medical retreat cabins and a spiritual center next June on the Randelman property. The facilities will be named after Carolina CUs. The fund-raising campaign spearheaded locally by the race car Petty family seeks to open the $24 million facility under auspices of actor Newman's "Hole in The Wall" charity based in New Haven, Conn. -

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