The “power of change” has been at work in BEC’s service area since 2016, thanks to the generosity of members who participate in our Operation Round Up® (ORU) program.
Participating members volunteer to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next dollar, contributing the excess change to the charitable ORU Trust. Operation Round Up allows co-op members to pool their resources to make a substantial impact on our local communities.
The impact of BEC's Operation Round Up program resonates across a wide spectrum of community needs. Members' contributions have funded essential equipment for police K-9 and fire departments, supported educational initiatives and extracurricular programs for students, and provided financial assistance to organizations such as Scouts, Beltrami County Historical Society, Headwaters Science Center, and local food shelves.
Among the beneficiaries of the program is the North Country First Responders (NCFR), a dedicated group of volunteers trained as Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). Since 1992, the NCFR has been responding to emergencies in a vast area covering 27 townships in Beltrami County and 4 townships in northern Hubbard County.
The NCFR received a $1,500 ORU grant in October, enabling them to acquire backpack-style rapid-response medical bags for their volunteers. These bags play a pivotal role in enhancing response times to remote locations, community events, confined spaces, and situations where seconds can make a difference. Tara Hokuf, a member of the NCFR, expressed gratitude, stating, "The generous donation from Beltrami Electric’s Operation Round Up program this fall provided us the opportunity to purchase 'rapid response bags' for our members. These bags provide a distinct advantage in our response times."
The NCFR emphasizes the ongoing need for community support to ensure they can continue to strengthen their membership and deliver crucial emergency care in the face of rising medical equipment and supply costs. Their mission of providing confident, competent, and compassionate pre-hospital emergency care aligns with the ORU program's broader goal of improving the quality of life in the region.
All contributions from ORU members directly benefit local community organizations, with an average monthly contribution of 50 cents or $6 a year. The maximum yearly contribution is just $11.88. Non-profit organizations in the community are eligible to apply for ORU grants, and the Trust Board, consisting of five BEC members, convenes twice a year to review applications and allocate funds.
As BEC's Operation Round Up program continues to thrive, its impact on our communities grows exponentially. For those who wish to contribute to positive change, reaching out to Beltrami Electric or visiting beltramielectric.com/operation-roundup is the first step toward making a meaningful difference in the local community. Together, the power of change is transforming lives and strengthening our communities.