October means pumpkin spice, Halloween decorations, and—most importantly—Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
At First Harvest Credit Union, employees aren’t just wearing pink; they’re rolling up their sleeves to make a tangible difference for breast cancer patients and research right here in Southern New Jersey.
Here’s how it works: For a minimum donation of just one dollar, members and community residents can purchase a personalized pink ribbon at any First Harvest branch. Write a message, honor a survivor, remember a loved one, or simply show your support—then watch as those ribbons fill branch walls throughout the month. It’s a visual reminder that small actions add up to something powerful.
All proceeds go directly to the Cooper Foundation, which funnels support to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. That means your dollar isn’t just buying a ribbon—it’s funding research, supporting local patients, and advancing prevention efforts where they’re needed most.
The Charitable Journey Program: More Than Just October
This fundraiser is part of First Harvest’s Charitable Journey program, an employee-led initiative that proves financial institutions can have a heart. While the program runs quarterly fundraisers for various causes throughout the year, October is dedicated entirely to breast cancer awareness and research.
And the numbers speak for themselves: since launching, Charitable Journey has raised over $72,000 for local charities and organizations. That’s not corporate lip service—that’s real money making a real difference in real communities.
Pink-Out Events and Community Solidarity
Beyond the ribbon campaign, First Harvest employees are participating in Pink-Out events throughout October. Think coordinated pink attire, awareness activities, and a whole lot of solidarity with those affected by breast cancer. It’s about visibility, conversation, and keeping the spotlight on early detection and support resources.
“Our employees continually demonstrate that our service extends beyond the walls of our branches,” said Mike Dinneen, President and CEO of First Harvest Credit Union. “The Charitable Journey program allows our team to turn compassion into action, supporting causes that matter deeply to our members and communities. Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about early detection and contributes to research and patient support efforts. We are proud of the longtime partnership between the Cooper Foundation and our employees in championing this initiative and making a positive impact throughout Southern New Jersey.”
How You Can Help
Getting involved couldn’t be easier. Stop by any First Harvest branch location during October, make your donation (remember, just $1 minimum), and personalize your pink ribbon. Whether you’re honoring a survivor, supporting someone currently in treatment, or simply standing with the cause, your contribution joins thousands of others in the fight against breast cancer.
Because here’s the thing about awareness months: they only work when awareness turns into action. First Harvest is giving everyone a simple, meaningful way to do exactly that.