WATERLOO, Iowa—As International Credit Union (ICU) Day arrives, CUs across the nation have been busy all week holding events, handing out cash, volunteering—and simply spreading the word about the benefits of cooperatives.
ICU Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948—a day in which credit unions reflect upon the movement's history and promote its achievements. ICU Day is part of International Credit Union Week. "One World Through Cooperative Finance" is this year's ICU Day theme.
At Veridian Credit Union here, staff are marking ICU Day by performing random acts of kindness, heading out into their communities across Iowa, eastern Nebraska and the Twin Cities metro area.
“Veridian provides each of its teams a small budget to fund acts of kindness … to celebrate credit unions’ cooperative structure and people helping people philosophy,” the CU said.
Veridian team ready to deliver acts of kindness.
“We celebrate International Credit Union Day to raise awareness of credit unions’ cooperatively owned structure and the difference that makes in an organization that’s helping people make financial choices,” said Veridian Chief Experience Officer Mark Koppedryer. “Random acts of kindness are a perfect way to express our industry’s philosophy of people helping people.”
Teams Working Together
Veridian said each team has been working together to determine what acts of kindness they’ll spread, and the recipient of each act also receives a card explaining the CU’s celebration.
In past years, teams have chosen everything from purchasing items off nonprofit wish lists to contributing toward a school’s negative lunch account or delivering treats to public service employees. This year, as part of its 90th anniversary celebration, Veridian set a new goal to impact 90 community organizations with their acts of kindness, the CU said.
In Tigard, Ore., Unitus Community Credit Union got a jumpstart on celebrating International Credit Union Day with an event honoring the global cooperative movement, recognizing community partners, and engaging with the World Foundation for Credit Unions.
Unitus hosted WFCU President Mike Reuter at its “Paella for Peace” celebration, during which Unitus President and CEO Steven Stapp highlighted the CU’s global connection, honoring the organization’s heritage.
“For me, paella is all about enjoying the moment; coming together to create a meal as an act of love,” explained Stapp. “My grandmother started the tradition of making paella together as a way to celebrate family and friends and to recognize that we’re all in this together. Our family tradition has continued within my home, and I was honored to share it with our credit union and community partners.”
Locally owned Caballero’s Catering joined the event, making paella for guests on site and celebrating the dish’s heritage.
As part of the celebration, Unitus awarded $125,000 in Community Impact Grants to partners who are making a difference in the lives of people around the world, and made a $25,000 donation to WFCU.
“Celebrating International Credit Union Day with our partners at Unitus has been a great way to kick off our global celebration,” Reuter said. “This donation in support of our efforts to grow and strengthen the global credit union movement will have meaningful impact on people around the world.”
‘Reality of Money’
North Carolina State Employees' Credit Union is partnering with Craven Community College to mark ICU Day with an event that teaches teens and young adults about the "Reality of Money." The event is being held today on the College’s New Bern, N.C., campus for Craven County students.
The event includes a “simulation” that offers students the opportunity to navigate the complexities of financial responsibilities, including jobs, debt and family life.
“Participants will embark on an interactive journey through various expense stations, where SECU and Craven CC volunteers will guide them in making essential financial decisions to help them reach their next payday. This hands-on experience is designed to equip students with practical skills that will prepare them for a successful financial future,” the credit union said.
"The 'Reality of Money' program was developed to help empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive financially," said Erin Roache, SECU senior financial education specialist. "The event promises to be both informative and fun, and we look forward to engaging with students for this important initiative."
Arizona Credit Union Week
All this week Arizona credit unions have been celebrating Arizona Credit Union Week, a group of 11 CUs reported.
Members of the AZ Cash Crew.
The group organized a week of festivities, including appearances from well-known athletes, local leaders and members of the community at the participating credit unions.
Events included a CU Cash Crew Day, during which CU staff hit the streets, surprising customers at member-owned businesses by picking up the tab for their purchases. Volunteer events were held all week, and Friday will mark Financial Education Day, during which local students will engage in events that teach financial literacy.
“Arizona’s credit unions are united under a shared sense of purpose for driving prosperity and empowering economic growth in the communities we serve,” said Brandon Michaels, president and CEO of OneAZ Credit Union. “Arizona Credit Union Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate those common values and elevate awareness of the positive impact our local institutions have on their membership and community. Each of the credit unions participating in this year’s events are passionate about Arizona and making a lasting difference in the lives of their membership. We are proud to be among them and serve the community alongside them.”
Participating Arizona credit unions: Arizona Financial Credit Union, Copper State Credit Union, Credit Union West, First Credit Union, Hughes Federal Credit Union, Landings Credit Union, OneAZ Credit Union, Pima Federal Credit Union, TruWest Credit Union, Tucson Federal Credit Union and Vantage West Credit Union.
Finally, In Ishpeming, Mich., TruNorth FCU said it is “honored” to be part of the annual tradition. The organization all week has been handing out calendars, donuts and cookies.