CUS IN THE COMMUNITY

Credit unions' support of community programs and initiatives goes way back. Historically, credit unions have been grassroots organizations.

Generally they are locally owned, locally managed, and focused on improving the communities in which they operate. Much has changed since the first credit unions appeared in Alberta at the turn of the century. Credit unions have evolved into sophisticated, technologically advanced, fullservice financial institutions, but they have hung on to their grass roots values and communitybased philosophy, to the point that they often invest in local initiatives in place of advertising for new members.

This page highlights only some of the initiatives credit unions have been recognized for across the province. If you are interested in learning more about what your local credit union is doing, we suggest that you visit their website www.albertacreditunions.com.

Rocky Credit Union

Supporting the next generation

Rocky Credit Union has an ongoing commitment to the children and youth programs in its trading area. Each year they distribute over $10,000 in cash donations and $1,000 in "giftinkind" sponsorships. Its staff is encouraged to volunteer in local community activities including youth and children's sporting groups, 4H, public speaking and service programs.

"As a community based and people focused financial institution, we believe children are our building blocks for today and tomorrow. We are thrilled to support the Alberta Promise initiative as a Promise Builder."
- Daniel Johnson, CEO Rocky Credit Union

Lakeland Credit Union

Each year, Lakeland Credit Union donates thousands of dollars in funding and sponsoring community events, nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. One example is its Care Wear Program.

Care Wear was initiated so that staff could participate in corporate citizenship and give back to nonprofit organizations over the course of the year. Each Friday, staff pay $2 to wear a black shirt with the Care Wear and Lakeland Credit Union logos to identify the fundraising endeavor. Within a year, Lakeland employees raised over $7,100 for local groups including the Bonnyville Palliative Care Unit, Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre, MADD of Cold Lake, Bonnyville Boys and Girls Club, The Jericho Youth Society, and the Bonnyville & District SPCA.

Servus Credit Union

A flexible, local approach Servus Credit Union wants its members to feel good about their money. This is one of the reasons they enthusiastically support the communities where they have branches. By contributing both energy and dollars, they help people dream, and communities grow into vibrant places for everyone to enjoy. In 2007 Servus Credit Union provided more than $500,000 to 525 deserving organizations.

Town need over profits

In recognition of its commitment to supporting a rural community and enhancing community wellbeing, Servus Credit union (formerly Capital City Savings) won a Building a Better Future Award from The Ethical Funds Company. This award recognizes credit unions that have demonstrated outstanding corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices, primarily in the areas of community and employee relations, environmental awareness, corporate governance and respect for human rights.

Servus' award was in recognition of its new branch in Mundare, Alberta, following the departure of the town's only bank. The credit union went into the community for reasons of need not profit, demonstrating its commitment to rural Alberta and the importance it places on sustaining these communities. Without the opening of this branch, Mundare would not have had a financial institution or ATM machine in the town.

Community Savings

Commitment to the community is what sets Community Savings Credit Union apart. It works with local organizations, authorities and its business partners to make life better in communities where it has branches. And the results can be seen every day across Central and Southern Alberta. Community supports a wide range of organizations and activities through its sponsorships and donations. It focuses on nonprofits, service and youth clubs, community facilities and events, sporting activities, schools, and postsecondary institutions. In 2007, they invested nearly $1 million in the 24 communities they serve.

Community Savings also provided no charge banking services to all not-for-profit organizations, a policy that amounts to an additional gift-in-kind contribution of nearly $800,000 each year. Beyond dollars, Community commends its 650 staff members for the 7,525 hours they volunteered to worthy causes.

Community Savings was the recipient of the 2005 Community Economic Development Award, a presentation made by the Canadian credit union system. This acknowledgement recognized the critical role Community Savings played in sustaining the economic viability of the Town of Ralston when it provided banking services to the community and its neighbour, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield. Local banking encouraged local spending in the community which helped to provide a thriving business base in small town Alberta.

Mountain View Credit Union

Mountain View Credit Union is committed to providing support and assistance to nonprofit community organizations and worthwhile community events. It is a proud supporter of a variety of community activities and groups through donations or the volunteer involvement of Credit Union staff and management.

It also provides scholarships and sponsorships to high school students in its communities.