Rize Credit Union partners with Comfort Cases and Barely Canadian to donate essential items to 1,000 foster youth

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LOS ANGELES, CA (August 30, 2024) — Rize Credit Union (Rize CU), Comfort Cases® and Barely Canadian came together to pack 1,000 Comfort Cases (600 in California and 400 in Nevada) with new, essential comfort and personal care items, including pajamas, blankets, hygiene kits, books, journals, and stuffed animals, along with a Barely Canadian hoodie. The packing party and donation is a result of Rize Credit Union’s commitment to donate a Comfort Case backpack and Barely Canadian hoodie to youth in foster care for every new account opened during National Foster Care Awareness Month in May.

The filled Comfort Cases were presented to local social service organizations that attended the packing party, who will then distribute them to Los Angeles youth entering and exiting the foster care system. This announcement expands Rize CU’s investment in the community following a $1 million, five-year partnership with the YMCA-LA, and the unveiling of their Youth Access Banking program that allows youth in foster care as young as 13 to open their own free checking and savings accounts without an adult co-owner, with Rize CU providing an initial $5 deposit to establish the account.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Comfort Cases and Barely Canadian to drive a larger impact with youth in foster care, ” said Jennifer Oliver, president and chief executive officer of Rize Credit Union. “These organizations share our commitment to uplift some of the most vulnerable in our community. This packing party truly exemplifies our dedication to ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect and when we do that, we all rise.”

Barely Canadian is a family business that creates incredibly soft apparel and supports youth in foster care through donating a percentage of sales to foster care nonprofits. Each donated Comfort Case and Barely Canadian hoodie has a combined value of over $400.

There are roughly 60,000 children in California’s foster care system; nationwide, with approximately 700 children entering foster care every day. As they begin their journey in the foster care system, they have historically and disrespectfully been given a black trash bag to carry their few belongings. The gift of a Comfort Case shows youth in foster care they are loved and respected and treats them with the hope and dignity they deserve.

“Today’s packing party was so impactful and knowing that we are changing many lives for the better is why we all come together,” said Rob Scheer, founder and chief executive officer of Comfort Cases. “Thank you so much to all of the volunteers and our incredible sponsors who took time today to pack these cases, knowing that they will soon be in the possession of our most vulnerable youth, which will show them that they are not alone, and there are many people who love them.

About Rize Credit Union

Founded in 1952 by members of IBEW Local 47 and later becoming SCE Credit Union, Rize Credit Union is a not-for-profit, mission-driven financial institution proudly serving southern California and southern Nevada and helping its members thrive – realizing potential through education and a full suite of banking products. Their mission is to uplift communities by providing the knowledge, access, and care that empowers all individuals to achieve lasting financial security and providing banking in underserved areas is a core commitment. It is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designated by the U.S. Department of Treasury. For more information on Rize Credit Union, please visit RizeCU.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

About Comfort Cases

Comfort Cases is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to youth entering foster care. Since 2013, we have distributed more than 255,000 Comfort Cases® and Comfort XL duffel bags to children in the foster care system in all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. We are a gold-level GuideStar participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency. Click this link or visit www.comfortcases.org for more information.

About Barely Canadian

Venice, California-based Barely Canadian, is a family-run business that creates super-soft sweaters, hoodies, onesies, sunsies, smittens, and other comfy, premium apparel. Among its partners are the LA Kings, LA Lakers, Rize Credit Union, and Warner Music Group. Barely Canadian is also passionate about its mission to serve foster youth. The company provides training and employment opportunities for youth in foster care while helping to raise money for foster youth organizations like Echoes of Hope, Kidsave, and its own program, Fosterpreneur. For more on Barely Canadian, visit www.barelycanadian.com.