FARMERS BRANCH, Texas – The Cornerstone Credit Union League is launching a new program called “Credit Unions Care” that seeks to give a name to and grow awareness for the many ways credit unions express their passions for and commitment to their members and the communities in which they live and work.
“Simply put, we want to ensure people understand that credit unions are not only financial partners but community partners,” said Cornerstone President and CEO Richard L. Ensweiler in a statement. “In that spirit, Credit Unions Care will differentiate credit unions from others in the for-profit sector.”
According to the Cornerstone league, the Credit Unions Care campaign is currently planned for two initial stages, with future plans in the works to extend beyond Spring 2016. The first effort will take place from June 15 through Aug. 31 and will engage members with credit unions through a fundraising effort for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through Credit Unions for Kids. Credit unions are being asked to sell donation dogs for $1 each to members and in their communities, with 100% of the proceeds going to Children’s Miracle Network.
The second phase will take place between Cornerstone’s Leadership Conference in September in San Antonio and Cornerstone’s 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo in early 2016 in Oklahoma City. During this time, Cornerstone will be executing a number of CU Rides—motorcycle rides to include credit union advocates and staff—throughout the region to deliver more than 1,500 Credit Unions Care stuffed dogs to sick and recovering children being served by a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
“It is our hope and expectation that Credit Unions Care will provide a banner under which credit unions can rally to tell their story of what makes them unique in the financial services sector,” said Cornerstone Executive Vice President Karen Hart. “I think this is a fabulous opportunity for us as a movement to show the difference we make each and every day in our members’ lives and the support we give our communities.
Cornerstone said it is launching the campaign in the three states in which it serves credit unions – Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, but the program is not limited to those states and is available for participation by any credit union, credit union league or association, or credit union professional.