The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is causing problems for more than the tourism and fishing industries along the Gulf Coast and Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union is making a commitment to help.

Lee Ann Allen, manager of the Atmore branch of the institution, said the commitment of Gulf Winds is to serve the areas they serve by making a matching donation to assist in the care and rehabilitation of birds injured by the spill.

“Gulf Winds Credit Union is committed to the communities that we serve and we know that the disaster in the Gulf will impact our community and surrounding areas adversely for many years to come,” Allen said. “We are excited to be able to offer a matching fund up to $50,000 for the care and rehabilitation of birds that have been caught in the oil spill.”

Funds are being collected and Gulf Winds officials have already made a presentation to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida.

On Monday, Chris Rutledge, CEO and president of Gulf Winds, made an initial presentation to the Wildlife Sanctuary of more than $36,000. The Gulf Winds Wildlife Relief Fund has generated $18,436 in donations form the community, local businesses and Gulf Winds business partners. With matching funds from Gulf Winds, the $36,872 was presented.

The challenge has been issued to area residents, businesses and organizations to continue to find funds to help with the wildlife recovery efforts.

“We are challenging our members and the public to donate to this very worth cause,” Allen said. “The Atmore branch, along with nine other locations, is accepting donations for the relief efforts.”

Rutledge said the commitment by Gulf Winds gives communities and opportunity to double their contributions to aid in the needed work to rescue wildlife affected by the disaster.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for the community to double the amount they give to the Wildlife Sanctuary,” Rutledge said. “When they give, we will match the gift dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $50,000. We want to turn our $50,000 into a $100,000 donation with the help of Gulf Coast residents.”

Rutledge and Gulf Winds staff members toured the Sanctuary recently and believe the organization is doing a much-needed work.

“We were very impressed with the facility and the work they are doing,” Rutledge said. “The Sanctuary has been a part of this community for over 28 years and will be here long after the cleanup operation has left the area. We know they will be assisting and doing all they can to protect, restore and rehabilitate wildlife that will be affected by this disaster. Our wildlife cannot wait while lawsuits are settled. They will need our help now and long term.”

The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida is a non-profit organization that has been serving Northwest Florida since 1982 providing appropriate care to injured and orphaned indigenous wildlife. The organization provides medical care and fostering during wildlife recovery, rehabilitation and release, if possible; cooperative efforts with local, state and federal wildlife agencies; and educational outreach to the Northwest Florida communities.

For more information about the Sanctuary and their operation, visit their Web site at www.pensacolawildlife. com

To make a donation through Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union, visit their Website at www.GoGulfWinds.com, or visit your local Gulf Winds office.