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Like a challenge? How about one that builds community relations and highlights a core credit union principle?

February 2, 2017

Janet Gibson Eichner, Senior Manager, National Media & Communications, Canadian Credit Union Association

Credit unions take their contributions to local communities seriously – so seriously in fact that in 2015, 72 per cent of credit unions enabled their employees to participate in voluntary activities as part of their paid work. Add this to the 80 per cent of credit unions that reported in the same year that their employees used their own free time to represent the credit union at community activities and organizations, and you have an incredible example of how credit unions put people before profits throughout the year.

As part of Canada’s 150th celebrations, the Canadian Credit union Association (CCUA) is hoping to capitalize on this outpouring of generosity by issuing its own system-wide challenge: 150,000 volunteer hours invested in local communities across the country by year-end.

To support this initiative, CCUA has partnered with Volinspire, an innovative "tech for good" platform, to launch this volunteer challenge. First West Credit Union, Prospera Credit Union and Interior Savings are all current users of Volinspire.

There are many far-reaching benefits to using Volinspire, that go far-beyond recording the number of hours your credit union staff is volunteering in their local community. This platform enables credit unions to provide real time messaging, the ability to spotlight staff and the organizations your credit union is volunteering with, stories can easily be posted and shared, and credit unions can more easily find volunteer opportunities and charities looking for assistance. These same charities/organizations can also endorse your credit union, which helps build credibility within the community.

This value was reflected in a recent statement by Kelly Pollard, manager, Communications, Interior Savings. “There’s a sense of pride that I didn’t necessarily have before. When you see [your profile] with everything that your credit union is accomplishing, it’s a great feeling. I hope it’s something that more people can feel and be part of.”

Want to learn more?


“This is definitely an achievable goal,” explains Martha Durdin, CCUA president and CEO. “Given that credit unions in 2015 volunteered well over 240,000 hours during their unpaid time off – and over 117,000 hours as part of paid work – this is a challenge that can not only be met, but far exceeded.”

CCUA is encouraging all credit unions to participate in the challenge and would appreciate knowing not only your credit unions’ interest, but estimated number of volunteer hours by year-end. Sign up today here.

Share what you’re doing
 Marketing collateral, including a 150th logo, web banners, social media content and sample news releases that credit unions can use on their website and with local media will all be created for ease-of-use. Details will follow in the coming weeks.

Please note that the federal government does have its own 150th logo that credit unions can use, although they must receive permission first prior to using it. To learn more contact http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1469543959157 or Canada150logo@canada.ca / 1-866-811-0055.

Still want to learn more?
 If you have questions about the challenge, or would like to sign up for Volinspire, please contact CCUA’s Marketing Associate, Samantha Ritchie, at sritchie@ccua.com