For the second year, Fifth Third Bank (Central Florida) has committed to a matching fundraiser benefiting the Camaraderie Foundation, an Orlando-based nonprofit that provides counseling services to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. Officially launching on October 15 and running through the end of November, Fifth Third Bank will match donations made to the Camaraderie Foundation in their banking centers, up to $15,000 cumulatively.
“Central Florida has one of the highest military veteran populations in the country,” said Karen Dee, Florida regional president of Fifth Third Bank. “We wanted to do something to show appreciation for the sacrifices these families make to protect our country. They have fought for us, so we would like to assist them by improving not only their financial wellness, but also their overall health.”
The Camaraderie Foundation provides private counseling, spiritual comfort and emotional support to military service members and their families by matching them with local counselors at a highly discounted rate. By covering 75 percent of the cost of counseling, the organization ensures that military families receive the help they need to adjust to life during and after deployments.
“We’ve come a long way in one year – thanks to the matching campaign by Fifth Third,” said Marnie Waldrop, co-founder and president of the Camaraderie Foundation. “After last year’s success, where we raised more than $17,000, Camaraderie has been able to take care of all those on the waiting list and more. There is a huge demand for the services we provide, and with the help of partners like Fifth Third Bank, we hope to come closer to meeting that demand.”
To donate, simply stop by any of the 49 Fifth Third Bank branches in Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola and Volusia counties with cash or a check made out to the Camaraderie Foundation. For branch locations, please visit www.53.com.
