MADISON, Wis.–During the 72nd annual International Credit Union Day celebration last week more than 100 credit unions across six continents “bombarded” social media with stories throughout the day, according to the World Council.
While response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been strong from the beginning by the international CU community, WOCCU said “many people still hadn't heard these stories—and certainly did not know this type of response from credit unions was so widespread.”
Among the stories shared by credit unions around the world, according to WOCCU:
- Westforce Credit Union in New Zealand had employees show off some hip-hop skills and dance moves to introduce their Instagram video, which explained how they kept members safe at their branches through the use of personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer. The CU also showed how they helped their community by volunteering at a food kitchen.
- Dundalk Credit Union in Ireland showed how its COVID-19 Response Fund has supported local community organizations that deliver lifesaving blood and medical supplies, meals to seniors and masks to those in need.
- Sicredi, the largest credit union system in Brazil, saw member institutions produce fun videos showing the differences between credit unions and banks—and others that explained how their cooperative structure allows them to do more for their members and communities, WOCCU reported.
- In the U.S., a Fond du Lac Credit Union employee explained how she and her colleagues worked with their members in Wisconsin remotely during the early stages of the pandemic—to ensure they could access their finances, giving them peace of mind.
- Chartway Federal Credit Union's CEO explained how his employees practiced "service from the heart" for their members in coastal Virginia.
- TruMark Financial Credit Union shared how they helped first responders, restaurants and others in the Pennsylvania communities they serve.
- WOCCU reported one of its project development teams pitched in to help the effort. The Credit for Agriculture Producers' Project staff in Ukraine created a video on "Seven Myths About Credit Unions."
‘Overwhelming Response’
“To say the response from the global credit union community was overwhelming would be an understatement. It not only shows how much credit unions have been there for their members and communities throughout this pandemic, but how proud they are to carry out the credit union philosophy of putting people over profits,” WOCCU said.