Credit Unions prepare to celebrate ‘International Credit Union Day’

Credit Unions across the world will be celebrating International Credit Union Day tomorrow (18 October).

Credit Unions across the world will be celebrating International Credit Union Day tomorrow (18 October).

Every year, on the third Thursday of October since 1948, credit unions have celebrated their unique way of banking and this year they are celebrating their members, with the theme: ‘Members Matter Most.’

"In the face of all challenges, credit unions have always existed to serve their members," said Brian Branch, World Council of Credit Unions president and CEO. "The clear and simple message, ‘Members Matter Most,' summarises credit unions' reason for being."

This International Credit Union Day is particularly important as it is taking place during the United Nations' International Year of Cooperatives.

The Credit Union National Association has even provided Official 2012 ICU products from Skittles to a piggy bank.

The day will be marked in 100 countries where 155,000 credit unions serve 196 million people.

Over in the UK a conference is being held at London Westminster today with speeches from Damian Hind MP, Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on Credit Unions and Simon Hughes MP, Vice Chair APPG on Credit Unions.

Brian Branch continued: "We believe every day is credit union day, because at any time of the day or night, a credit union somewhere in the world is helping its members. 

"We can take pride in how far credit unions have reached in serving members. But we cannot ignore the fact that we must continue extending that reach to provide more services to more consumers, including those who need our services most. 

"In the end, it is the people, not profits that drive our actions. Members matter most, that is the philosophy that we live and breathe, each and every day of the year." 

This year's theme was submitted by Sinéad Butler from the marketing services department of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU). ‘Members Matter Most’ was one of more than a dozen themes submitted by representatives from Abacus Australian Mutuals, Credit Union Central of Canada, Credit Union National Association (USA) and World Council.

Are you a member of a Credit Union? 

Tell us what you will be doing to celebrate International Credit Union Day by tweeting us @coopnews or writing in the comments below.
 

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