ST. PAUL, Minn.–Organizers are reporting more credit unions will be adopting the concept of dedicating one day to spread kindness in their communities this year, with the concept expanding to two more states in 2019.
CU FORWARD Day – to be held this year on Oct. 14, is a Minnesota statewide initiative of credit unions employees, members and partners coming together to volunteer with local organizations, give back to communities, commit random acts of kindness and generally just say “thank you” to the people who deserve it most, according to the Minnesota Credit Union Network.
October 14 also kicks off International Credit Union Week, with International Credit Union Day on Oct. 17.
In 2018, MnCUN reported 49 CU credit unions and partners came together for CU FORWARD Day to impact the lives of over 300,000 people. This year, 55 credit unions and organizations in Minnesota will participate in CU FORWARD Day, while two states will launch their own initiatives.
“When the Network began coordinating CU FORWARD Day, credit unions were already coming together to spread kindness through various initiatives,” said Mark Cummins, president & CEO of MnCUN. “We are simply the stewards of sharing the impact credit unions are having throughout their communities and as our own grows, my vision for the future would be a national coordinated effort, spearheaded by the league system, to impact all Americans with the credit union difference.”
Illinois Launches ‘CU Kind’
This year, the Illinois Credit Union League is launching the “CU Kind” campaign, an initiative for credit unions in their state to spread kindness during the same federal holiday.
“I’m so proud to work in an industry that focuses on people over profits,” said ICUL President Tom Kane. “With credit unions, ‘people helping people’ is more than just a nice phrase, it is the mindset for everything we do. Giving back to the communities we serve is foundational for credit unions, which is why we were so excited to follow Minnesota’s lead in developing a day of service. Initiatives like Minnesota’s CU Forward Day, and Illinois’ CU Kind Day, are genuine demonstrations of the credit union difference in action!”
Effort Expands in Mississippi
In addition, Credit unions in Mississippi, inspired by both CU Forward and CU Kind, are coming together to create impact in their state as well, the MnCUN said.
“I loved the idea of giving back, taking action, to the communities that we serve here in Mississippi. The day of service was the perfect partner for the young credit union professionals (LEAD_MS) in Mississippi to take part of,” said Christian Hartley of Kessler Federal Credit Union in Gautier, Miss. “We’re so excited to partner along Minnesota and Illinois for Mississippi’s day of service on October 14, 2019.”
For more info, go here: CU FORWARD Day.