Charter Bank Mortgage Insurance Gives Blood

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Bank Mortgage Insurance
will host its annual blood drive for United Blood Services on Thursday, July
24th, 2008. Thirty-six employees will donate at Charter's Eubank and Promenade
locations.
It is estimated that because just one donation can save up to three lives,
over one hundred lives could be saved from the blood collected at Charter on
Thursday alone (United Blood Services).
The blood donated will be used in "cancer treatments, organ transplants,
and open heart surgery," (unitedbloodservices.org) as well as for the
treatment of blood clotting disorders, anemia, and hemophilia.
Some employees will participate in Double Red Cell Aphaeresis. In this
process, the donor gives twice the usual amount of blood and the plasma and
platelets are returned to them.
"I am a believer in donating blood and have been a donor myself for a very
long time," said Charter chairman, Robert Wertheim. "By giving blood, you can
be instrumental in saving someone's life."
Those who donate will also receive free cholesterol readings and a mini
physical, including a check of temperature, pulse, blood pressure and iron
levels.
United Blood Services (UBS) will provide a "bloodmobile" and trained staff
to take the donations. UBS frequents schools, organizations, and businesses to
collect blood for the community. It is estimated that 60% of the population
will need blood at some point in their lifetime.
On the day of the drive, Charter also holds a cookie baking contest to
encourage employee involvement and provides donors with refreshments to bring
up their energy levels after donating.
About Charter
Locally owned and operated, Charter provides a diverse range of financial
services, including retail banking, residential/commercial mortgage and
insurance. It combines the capabilities, resources and product range of larger
banks with the local decision making, market knowledge and customer service of
a community bank.
Founded in 1976, it is the fifth largest financial institution in New
Mexico, with assets of over $1 billion and six branches in Santa Fe, Rio
Rancho and Albuquerque and lending offices across New Mexico, Colorado, and
Idaho. Charter leads the state in residential mortgage approval, funding and
servicing. The company is also one of the largest commercial loan originators
in New Mexico. http://www.charterco.com
SOURCE Charter Bank Mortgage Insurance

Susan Pelletier of Charter, +1-505-332-5662, Susan.pelletier@charterco.com