RICHLAND, Wash.—Gesa Credit Union is reporting its  Forevergreen affinity card, which was created in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, in its second year raised enough money to plant more than 73,000 trees in the Pacific Northwest.

In all, the card raised $181,000,  nearly triple the amount raised in the first year.

“From day one, the Forevergreen Affinity Card has been about creating simple, everyday opportunities for our members to give back,” AVP-Community Impact Brandon Allison said in a statement. “It’s incredible to see this program grow thanks to our members who have joined us in making a difference just by using their debit card. With every swipe they’re helping plant more trees in our region –supporting a stronger future for our communities.”

Partnered With Arbor Day Foundation

Launched in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation in 2023, Gesa CU noted the Forevergreen Affinity Card is one of several debit card designs available through its Affinity Debit Card Program. Cards in that program generate funds every time a participating card is used. 

To date, the Forevergreen Affinity Card alone has raised more than $247,000 and helped fund the planting of more than 104,000 trees across the Pacific Northwest, Gesa CU said.

Impact of Card

Gesa Credit Union reported that from January to April 2024, a total of 200,000 trees including, Western hemlock, Western larch, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir, were planted throughout Washington to support the Washington Department of Natural Resources Managed Lands. 

Gesa said its contribution alone funded more than 35,000 of those trees. 

“In addition to this effort, Gesa helped fund plantings through the Climate Resilient Watershed Tree Plantings project in Washington,” the credit union said. “This initiative focuses on restoring forests affected by wildfires, and rehabilitating floodplain forests to help protect nearby communities from severe flooding. A key component of the project included supporting regional Tribes in their environmental goals.”