First Interstate Assists American Red Cross Wildfire Disaster Relief

First Interstate Bank and First Interstate BancSystem Foundation have announced a partnership that will help the American Red Cross provide wildfire relief across the West and Midwest.

"Here in the West, we take care of each other in times of crisis, and First Interstate Bank's commitment to those affected by wildfires proves that," said Diane Wright, Montana Red Cross executive director. "The Red Cross workforce - 90 percent of whom are volunteers - have been diligently sheltering, feeding, and supporting wildfire evacuees and others affected by the many wildfires across the West and Midwest. The support of corporate community partners like First Interstate Bank is vital to fulfilling this mission."

Since the western wildfire disaster relief effort began in June, the American Red Cross disaster workers and its partners have provided 6,699 overnight stays for more than 1,476 residents, and 63,504 meals, snacks and relief items for 1,571 households. Of the more than 900 Red Cross disaster workers responding this year, 79 are trained to support health and mental health services and spiritual care needs in shelters.

Red Cross is grateful to local governmental and tribal emergency service organizations as well as other nonprofits, who work together to respond to disasters.

"As a community bank, one of our core values is people first always, and we're happy to step up and help support our neighbors who are truly in need during this wildfire season," said Jocelyn Lane, First Interstate's Rocky Mountain Regional President. "We are fortunate to live in a place where people genuinely care about one another."

"We're happy to partner with Red Cross by volunteering, helping with blood drives and helping install fire alarms in our neighbors' homes. It's a wonderful organization, and we feel a strong connection to the Red Cross and all the good the organization does," First Interstate Bank Missoula Market President Tom Severson said.

With more than 300 offices in 14 states, First Interstate enhances the communities it serves through an innovative corporate philanthropy program, which includes donating a portion of Company profits, matching employees' personal financial contributions, and donating $10 per hour for volunteer efforts made at qualifying organizations.

Join First Interstate Bank by supporting Western Wildfire relief now.