North Pacific fishing trade associations on Jan. 23 announced a campaign to raise thousands of dollars in tax-deductible contributions to help Alaska’s U.S. Coast Guard families who have not been paid since Dec. 31, due to the partial government shutdown.
Each trade association is aiming to raise $7,500 to $10,000 to help the families of these me and women, who now need heroes of their own, said Chris Woodley, retired Coast Guard and executive director of the Groundfish Forum.
The trade associations are working directly with the Coast Guard to set this aid up in a way that is legal for the Coast Guard to accept, Woodley said.
“The Coast Guard is doing their best for us, but they are worried,” he said. “Worried because they haven’t been paid since December 31 and now the rent is coming due, the truck needs to be repaired, the vet bill for the dog was really high and now they are getting low on groceries.”
The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing zero interest loans to Coast Guard members and families in times of distress.
“A zero-interest loan to a Coast Guard family can make a world of difference during these tough times and give them the help they need,” Woodley said.
Contributions can be made via credit card from businesses and individuals. All donations to this fundraising effort will be directed to Coast Guard personnel in the 17th District (Alaska) and monies raised will be distributed to Coast Guard families in need across Alaska.
Woodley said he hopes to raise $65,000 from the fishing industry within a week, an amount that would provide a $1,500 loan to 50 Coast Guard families in Alaska, and that he planned to send out a suggested contribution for each of the trade associations.
Donations may be made via https://cgmahq.networkforgood.com/projects/67769-chris-woodley-s-fundraiser
