Here’s something that’ll restore your faith in corporate partnerships: Virginia Credit Union just committed $150,000 to Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, and this isn’t just a check-and-photo-op situation. They’re actually sticking around to help.
The money heads straight to CHoR’s Family Resource Center—think of it as mission control for families dealing with the kind of stress no parent should face alone. We’re talking help with food, housing, getting to appointments, and keeping the lights on when medical bills are piling up faster than unread emails.
More Than Just Money
This three-year partnership comes loaded with extras. VACU’s throwing in financial education resources, about $5,000 worth of books annually, and on-site programs to show appreciation for the people keeping sick kids alive. You know, the stuff that actually matters.
And get this—they’ve got a creative fundraising angle through their VACU Assists program with VCU’s basketball teams. Every regular-season assist by the men’s and women’s teams generates more support for the hospital. It’s like fantasy basketball, but instead of bragging rights, kids get better healthcare.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU because we’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary care its teams provide to children and families across our region,” said VACU President and CEO Chris Shockley. He’s not wrong—CHoR handles some of the toughest moments families will ever face.
A Decade of Showing Up
This latest commitment pushes VACU’s total contributions to CHoR past $491,500 over the past ten years. Not bad for an organization that could easily write one check and call it a day. Instead, children’s health sits as one of four pillars driving their community work, alongside financial education, community well-being, and food security.
Financial Education Gets Real
Here’s where things get practical. VACU’s bringing its award-winning financial education toolkit directly into the Family Resource Center. For kids, they’ve designed interactive materials that make money management actually engaging—no small feat when you’re competing with iPads and anxiety.
Parents and caregivers get access to VACU’s full library of financial resources, and here’s the kicker: CHoR staff will receive training so they can confidently help families navigate the materials. Because nothing says “we thought this through” like making sure the people on the ground can actually use what you’re providing.
Families can also tap into free one-on-one financial coaching through VACU’s partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness. When you’re drowning in medical bills and lost wages, having someone who knows the ropes can be the difference between staying afloat and going under.
Caffeine and Gratitude
The partnership includes VACU’s Fuel Cart Program—basically appreciation events that roll up to frontline staff with refreshments and resources. They’re timing these visits for maximum impact: Nurses Week, employee recognition events, and those brutal stretches when everyone’s running on fumes and determination.
“Virginia Credit Union has been a longtime corporate partner for Children’s Hospital Foundation and has given nearly $500,000 to support children and families at CHoR, including their most recent gift to the Family Resource Center,” said Lauren Moore, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Their unwavering dedication and support year after year is essential in fueling our ability to become a leading children’s hospital in our region.”
The Bigger Picture
In 2025 alone, Virginia Credit Union donated nearly $1.5 million to local charities and community organizations, invested $1.3 million in financial education initiatives, and racked up more than 2,100 volunteer hours supporting nonprofits across Virginia.
It’s the kind of sustained community investment that actually moves the needle—not because it makes for good PR (though it does), but because showing up consistently is how real change happens. Especially for families navigating the nightmare of childhood illness while trying to keep their financial lives from imploding.