Albany, NY (February 17, 2010) — In the past month, SEFCU has raised more than $158,000 to support earthquake victims in Haiti.

Through a joint effort between SEFCU and CBS 6, the CBS affiliate in Albany, the credit union held a telethon in January that raised money through call-in donations. Contributions were also accepted at all SEFCU branches and via the Member Solutions Center.

SEFCU matched the first $50,000 raised from these outlets. In addition, the credit union partnered with the upstate offices of the Department of Environmental Conservation, matching more than $14,000 of their efforts.

All money raised through SEFCU benefits the local American Red Cross Haiti Relief Effort.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our members and non-members alike,” said Michael J. Castellana, SEFCU president and CEO. “Though these are difficult times for many in our region, it is heartening to see people rally for those they don’t know nor will ever meet.”

As part of SEFCU’s Community Support Program, the credit union is committed to assisting individuals and families though monetary support and volunteer contributions. Last year the credit union donated more than $1.8 million to local non-profits throughout the Capital Region, Syracuse, Binghamton, and Buffalo.

SEFCU has provided similar support to victims of other natural disasters, adopting a school and providing monetary support to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Established in 1934 as the credit union for state employees, today SEFCU is among the 70 largest credit unions in the U.S. with over 1,000 ways to join, more than $1.9 billion in assets, over 180,000 members, and 39 branches in the Capital Region, Binghamton, Syracuse, and Buffalo. In addition to standard deposit and loan products, SEFCU offers 24-hour banking by phone and Internet, electronic bill payment and eStatements, investment and insurance services, and a full-range of business banking services. Find us on Facebook® and follow us on Twitter®.