Manitoba credit unions demonstrate their community-based purpose through their actions. As financial co-operatives, community focus is part of the very essence of their existence.
Co-operative values drive the decision-making process in credit unions. Co-operative Principle #7, Concern for Community, took on new meaning as credit unions sprang into action in their communities.
Community-focused organizations including food banks, public shelters, and other charitable organizations were particularly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. They were operating in conditions unlike any they had faced before, often with fewer volunteers, donations, or resources.
Food banks across Manitoba were facing increased demand and constrained resources. Access Credit Union jumped at the opportunity to help and donated $15,000 to Southern Manitoba food banks. These included food banks in Winkler, Morden, Altona, Carman, Gretna, Grunthal, Morris, Winnipeg and the RMs of Thompson, Emerson-Franklin and Piney.
Co-operative values drive the decision-making process in credit unions. Co-operative Principle #7, Concern for Community, took on new meaning as credit unions sprang into action in their communities.
Community-focused organizations including food banks, public shelters, and other charitable organizations were particularly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. They were operating in conditions unlike any they had faced before, often with fewer volunteers, donations, or resources.
Food banks across Manitoba were facing increased demand and constrained resources. Access Credit Union jumped at the opportunity to help and donated $15,000 to Southern Manitoba food banks. These included food banks in Winkler, Morden, Altona, Carman, Gretna, Grunthal, Morris, Winnipeg and the RMs of Thompson, Emerson-Franklin and Piney.
In just one month, Sunrise Credit Union gave $42,000 to community programs across Southwest Manitoba, including this $3,000 cheque to the Boissevain Food Pantry.
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“The health and safety of our communities is our top priority,” says Larry Davey, President and CEO of Access Credit Union. “For those at-risk populations who are struggling, it’s important that they are acknowledged and supported. COVID-19 may have reshaped our world, but we were determined to meet these challenges together, as neighbours, friends, and communities: all of us.”
In April, Sunrise Credit Union put out a call to all non-profit community organizations that provide essential goods. They found out who was in need, what they needed, and acted — giving preferential treatment to organizations that used local businesses for procurement. This way, the funds could help the community twice. “Part of Sunrise Credit Union’s mission has always been to give back to the communities we serve, putting rubber on the road and meat on the streets, so to speak,” says Sunrise’s VP of Wealth and Marketing, Tayona Johnas. “We feel this is a win-win scenario, supporting both non-profit organizations and businesses that were negatively impacted by the health and economic crisis.” Within a month of the call going out, $42,000 had been disbursed into communities in Manitoba for programs such as food banks, independent living programs, and the YMCA in Brandon. |
“This generous donation will assist our food bank in providing much-needed protein in our hamper program,” says Barbara McNish, Executive Director of Samaritan House Ministries in Brandon. “Community relationships such as with Sunrise Credit Union offer unique opportunities to support local producers and processors; this food would not otherwise be available to our families in need.”
When the snow fell and the holidays rolled around, there was a great need for hampers of food and hygiene items. As some groups in their communities were unable to fundraise because of health restrictions, Noventis Credit Union stepped in to help fill the funding gap. The credit union donated $5,000 to community Christmas hamper groups in 12 different communities.
“It has been an unprecedented year, and Christmas may look different for a lot of us,” says Kevin McKnight, Noventis CEO, “but a different Christmas should still be a merry Christmas.”
When the snow fell and the holidays rolled around, there was a great need for hampers of food and hygiene items. As some groups in their communities were unable to fundraise because of health restrictions, Noventis Credit Union stepped in to help fill the funding gap. The credit union donated $5,000 to community Christmas hamper groups in 12 different communities.
“It has been an unprecedented year, and Christmas may look different for a lot of us,” says Kevin McKnight, Noventis CEO, “but a different Christmas should still be a merry Christmas.”