On October 16, credit union members around the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day, an annual event that commemorates the credit union movement’s impact and achievements.
In honour of this special day, Nelson & District Credit Union (NDCU) invites its members and the entire community to the branch festivities while also accepting cash and non-perishable donations for local food banks throughout the day.
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions; credit unions serve nearly 208 million members in 103 countries.
Worldwide, 57,000 credit unions exist to help members, providing a safe place to save money and access loans. Credit unions are recognized as a force for positive economic and social change. They have provided significant value in both developed and emerging nations.
Doug Stoddart, NDCU CEO, and board member on the World Council of Credit Unions, emphasizes that, “Without local credit unions, the economy of our smaller communities would look much different.”
He adds, “A credit union’s commitment to community ensures that local decision making, democratic control, financial stability and a high level of service is retained and enjoyed by its member-owners.
Those member-owners are your friends and neighbours.”
This international event affords the opportunity to remember credit unions’ proud history and promote awareness of and support for the credit union difference. This year’s theme, Local Service. Global Good, emphasizes credit unions’ positive impact in their communities and around the world, a perfect complement to World Food Day that falls on the same day.
Nelson & District Credit Union will be hosting the collection of cash and non-perishable food items for local food banks the same day.
World Food Day was established to increase awareness of world hunger and poverty and to inspire solutions for world change. Local food agencies in the West Kootenay inspire solutions for local change for food security by raising awareness around what it is like to have to rely on food banks and other social agencies for food.
Stop by one of NDCU’s three community branches to enjoy the festivities and make a donation to your local food bank in Nelson, Rossland and on the East Shore.
