First Niagara Commits $10,000 to Preserve Wissahickon Creek

First Niagara Financial Group recently pledged $10,000 to the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (WVWA), a not-for profit Ambler organization that is dedicated to protecting and preserving the Wissahickon Watershed that spans 64 square miles in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

“This donation will help our organization continue our mission of maintaining the natural beauty and integrity of the Wissahickon Creek, an important part of this region’s natural landscape,” said WVWA Executive Director Dennis Miranda.

The gift was presented to the WVWA at the 24th annual Tex Mex Connection 5K Race of Open Space on June 26, which First Niagara helped sponsor.  About 1,700 runners participated in this year’s race, which is an annual event that is certified as a green race.  The WVWA raised $98,000 at last year’s event.

According to First Niagara Vice President David Rink, his organization is pleased to be able to help care for the Wissahickon Creek: “We know that with the right support, both financial and volunteer, the WVWA will be able to continue leading the charge to preserve this natural resource that’s so important to Eastern Pennsylvania.”

First Niagara employees also participated in this year’s 43rd annual Creek Clean Up, which is held by the WVWA and the Friends of the Wissahickon, to help clean the creek bed and trails.