VALDOSTA — As part of First Commerce’s commitment to transform the communities it serves, the credit union dedicated the month of May — National Pet Month — to raise funds for four local Humane Society chapters.

Together with donations from individuals and businesses, the credit union raised just over $10,320 to support non-profit animal rescues, including the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County, Hearts to Homes Humane Society in Nashville, Ga., the Thomasville Humane and the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee, Fla., according to a press release from the credit union.

Three years ago, First Commerce launched the inaugural fundraiser in Nashville, Ga., to honor the memory of longtime animal advocate Elizabeth “Liz” Nix, mother of Rodney Nix who serves on the credit union’s Berrien County, Ga., Advisory Council. Because of the fundraiser’s initial success in 2022 and positive response in Nashville, First Commerce expanded the initiative last year to include local animal rescues in Thomasville and Valdosta, as well as Tallahassee, Fla.

“As a credit union dedicated to creating a culture of care for our members and our communities, we appreciate the critical role local animal rescues play in helping abandoned and lost animals that become an important part of so many families,” said Cecilia Homison, First Commerce CEO. “The Liz Nix Fundraiser empowers each of us to join together and support the incredible work these nonprofits do to provide life-saving treatments, shelter and care for abandoned animals, find them forever homes through adoption, or reunite lost pets with their families.”

One way First Commerce helped raise funds was by hosting five “Dogs for Dogs” community cookouts across South Georgia and North Florida, with a suggested donation in exchange for freshly grilled hotdog lunches. Visitors at some locations also had a chance to meet animals available for adoption. Additionally, the credit union offered collapsible water bowls for pets and insulated grocery totes at each of its 13 financial centers for donations. Members were also able to donate and write personalized messages on paper paw cutouts that were displayed in FCCU’s financial centers throughout the month of May.

“Watching this initiative continue to grow has been an inspiration to the Nix Family,” said Rodney Nix. “We are grateful to see our mother’s legacy flourish and have such a positive impact on the lives of so many animals. It was a cause she cared deeply about.”

One of the recipients of this year’s donations, the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County runs on monetary donations and the time donated from generous volunteers. Emily Smith, a member of the HSVLC Board of Directors, said, “This amazing donation can support us by covering vaccines for the kittens for the rest of the year, or it could cover the cost of spay & neutering for 55 cats or 14 dogs!”

The Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County has been working for years to end pet overpopulation in South Georgia and put a stop to unnecessary euthanasia in the Lowndes County Animal Shelter, the credit union’s press release said. One of the main issues is overcrowding and pets labeled as “unadoptable.” The local Humane Society offers amazing programs such as the Life Ride Transport Program and the Hamilton Hounds New Leash on Life Program.

The Hamilton Hounds program is dedicated to increasing the adoption rates of dogs by providing essential training, preparing them for their future “furever” homes. At the same time, the program offers inmates valuable dog training skills and emotional support that they can carry with them after release. “Many dogs enter the Lowndes County Animal Shelter needing guidance to reach their full potential. This program enables us to support these dogs without taking up space in our foster homes, allowing us to save even more lives,” said Tori Grindle, a Humane Society volunteer.

In addition to the annual Liz Nix Fundraiser for Animal Rescue, First Commerce supports many other local organizations. Another major community initiative will be back this fall, when people across South Georgia and North Florida will see flocks of pink yard flamingos reappear as part of the annual national award-winning #FlamingoChallenge to raise funds during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Embodying the #LocalStrong spirit, all funds raised are used to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local patients battling breast cancer and their families, the credit union said. Over the past four years, this effort has raised more than $300,000 that has been donated directly to hospital programs across the region, including the South Georgia Medical Center.

For more information, visit FirstCommerceCU.org.