First Western Bank & Trust (FWBT) has partnered with local charities, non-profits, and other organizations to improve each community they serve during their 3rd Annual Volunteer Days, October 4th – 15th.
First Western prides themselves on being part of making their communities great places to live, work and raise families. Over 600 hours of volunteering are donated each year by FWBT employees. This volunteer event is in memory of founder, J.H. ‘Jack’ Hoeven Jr., who gave so much to the communities and set an example for all to give back.
“It is a chance for us to proudly represent our bank and to improve the quality of life for those we serve,” said Chairman, President, & CEO of First Western Bank & Trust Brenda K. Foster. “As any FWBT employee who has volunteered in the past will tell you, it is an amazing experience that brings just as much joy to our hearts as it does the people we are helping.”
Employees in all regions have been cleaning parks, serving meals, saving pets, donating blood, and supporting non-profits with like-minded aspirations since the beginning of First Western in 1964. During Volunteer Days, all employees in every First Western location is given the opportunity to participate in a volunteer activity, most of them occurring during the work day. Some of the service projects scheduled this year include: distributing winter clothes through the Coats For Kids program in partnership with The Salvation Army, wrapping diapers for needy families through Project BEE, serving at Heaven Helper’s Soup Cafe, cleaning and landscaping at the Minot YMCA, making tie-blankets for the homeless, cleaning up ditches, and helping out at various food banks.
First Western Bank & Trust employs over 330 people across 17 locations in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota.