The English language uses all types of animal-inspired phrasing. From our beloved honeybunny to the black sheep of the family, four-footed furry friends are always the cat’s meow. At Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed), their corporate commitment to invest in the community and its customers includes pets of all sizes, shapes and colors thanks to partnerships with Concern for Animals and Fur Love Haven, among others.
For more than 116 years, OlyFed has dedicated themselves to the people they serve. They donate between 10 and 15% of profits to charity and foster a culture of volunteerism amongst their employees. Some tireless staff members even go a little further. Alison Densley, learning and development specialist, is a board member with Concern for Animals and Heidi Retzlaff, compliance manager, is the founder of Fur Love Haven.
Concern for Animals Works to Keep Pets with their Families
Alison Densley, who has been with OlyFed for 11 years, adopted their own cat from the organization in 2010. “I learned about their mission and was really drawn to the organization,” says Densley, “I attended a volunteer training in 2013 and we approached OlyFed about supporting the organization. They were wonderful of course and became a regular sponsor of CFA. In 2017, I joined the board of directors as secretary and in January 2023 I will become the board president.”
Concern for Animals started in 1980 with a mission to help those who need a helping hand…or paw. They work with low-income pet owners in Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties through their weekly pet food bank, a cat rescue, and assistance with vaccinations, spay and neutering services, and extra help for seniors and their pets.
And the need is very real. “In 2021, CFA gave out 12,738 pounds of dry dog food and 3,630 pounds of dry cat food,” says Densley. “That doesn’t include wet food, litter, toys and other pet supplies distributed at our weekly food banks. We have already given out 13,460 pounds of dry dog food and 4,250 pounds of dry cat food this year so far!”
Instead of primarily facilitating adoptions, CFA fills a few other really important gaps, Densley explains. Their senior outreach and feral pet spay/neuter programs, for example, are unique. They also work with SafePlace and Turning Pointe insuring domestic violence victims can bring their pets along to safe housing.
Follow Concern for Animals on Facebook and Instagram or consider donating to their work through Amazon, Chewy, the state employees Combined Fund Drive, Community Foundation Endowment Fund or rewards programs at Fred Meyer, Ralph’s and Thriftway.
Thurston County Animal Rescue: Fur Love Haven
Heidi Retzlaff has worked for OlyFed for 26 years. She and her rescue partner created their own nonprofit animal rescue Fur Love Haven in 2019. “We have a huge heart for homeless animals and recognized that there is a need for rescue groups to help them whether they are in shelters or need to be re-homed by their owners,” says Retzlaff.
Fur Love Haven is a volunteer, foster-based group that works to rehome animals who might otherwise end up in a shelter or euthanized due to health or behavioral issues. “When we can’t take them in,” explains Retzlaff, “we spend time talking with families to provide resources, cover veterinary expenses or provide any support we can through our network of other rescues, trainers and others involved in the rescue community.”
“Olympia Federal Savings and our employees have always been very generous in supporting nonprofits in our community and helping those in need,” says Retzlaff. “I am grateful that this extends to animals and their welfare as well.”
You can find an Amazon wish list of items they need via Linktree and read more about the group through Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Olympia Bank Encourages Staff Volunteerism and Charitable Giving
OlyFed is incredibly supportive, standing behind the organizations that their employees feel passionately about, says Densley. “I am incredibly proud to work for a company who dedicates so much time, energy and resources to supporting our community.”
And she understands the importance from the nonprofit side as well. “As a board member of a small nonprofit I know how much impact support like OlyFed’s can have on the work organizations do in our communities,” says Densley. “Everyone is super excited every year about OlyFed’s pet calendar and when we suggested a pet food drive it was met with so much support.”
The 2023 pet calendars will be distributed through this year’s customer appreciation week in late November. Follow their upcoming community events and activities online or through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Not a member but want to join the OlyFed banking family? Visit one of their eight convenient locations or open an account from the comfort of home. Call 360.754.3400 with questions then go find your resident fur baby because it’s definitely snuggle time.
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