WHAT YOUR CREDIT UNION CAN DO FOR YOU

FOR millions of people all over the world, their local Credit Union is their first port of call when they need finance for various reasons, and here in Ireland the public has a fantastic ongoing relationship with the Credit Union since it’s inception in the 1950s.

For over 50 years, Credit Unions in Ireland have been trusted to meet the financial, economic and social needs of their local communities and are central to the everyday lives of millions of members. Credit Unions remain popular and continue to succeed because they have stayed true to their values and ethos. While the future will bring opportunities for growth and innovation, the Credit Union will be at the heart of communities, serving members’ best interests.

On Thursday, Oct. 20th, Irish Credit Unions will join 57,000 credit unions in other communities around the world to celebrate International Credit Union Day® highlighting the role that financial cooperatives play in improving the communities they serve, and the lives of their members. This year’s theme, ‘ The Authentic Difference’ celebrates what makes Credit Unions truly unique.

The theme honours Credit Unions’ mission to put people before profit. All Credit Unions share a common goal in providing access to affordable financial services to all their members and provide even the most financially disadvantaged with the tools and the opportunities to be financially self-sufficient. This is the credit union difference that makes a real impact in our world.

Credit Unions are unique because they are not-for-profit, democratically controlled, member-owned cooperatives. Credit Unions pool their members’ assets to provide low-cost loans and other financial services in the best interest of the members, not to earn shareholder profits.

Credit Unions play a vital role in the economic development and stability of the communities they serve, helping people improve their lives through access to affordable financial services, and making the world a better place to live. Across the island of Ireland, 3.5 million people enjoy the benefits of credit union membership.

This International Credit Union Day, we hope everyone will join us in celebrating the credit union difference, our proud cooperative heritage and the wonderful opportunities Credit Unions and cooperatives offer members every day.