This year’s International Credit Union Day, on 19 October, will take the theme of Dreams Thrive Here.
Celebrated every year on the third Thursday of October since 1948, the day aims to raise awareness of the philosophy of credit unions and the contribution they make.
The theme for this year’s day was selected following an online poll of credit union professionals.
“ICU Day is the opportunity to encourage credit union members to get engaged, share their experiences and celebrate how credit unions and financial co-operatives have made an impact on their life choices,” said Brian Branch, president and chief executive of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).
“By placing people before profit, we defend the credit union and co-operative financial institution model worldwide.”
WOCCU has released a number of International Credit Union Day graphics and posters English and Spanish, along with other promotional materials for credit unions to use.
It is also encouraging members to share photos, events, experiences and other festivity ideas on Facebook and Twitter using #ICUDay.
There are more than 56,000 credit unions around the world. For International Credit Union Day they will focus on highlighting how they can help people achieve their biggest goals in life.
Jeremiah Tucker, consumer engagement program lead at the Credit Union National Association in the USA (CUNA) also said: “The theme reflects the initial results of CUNA’s on-going research into what resonates with consumers about credit unions.
“Credit unions are good at showing how we are the socially responsible choice for banking, but we also need to remind consumers that credit unions are their best choice for personal success and satisfaction.”
To mark the day, CUNA is teaming up once again with CU4Kids, a non-profit, for the campaign Shop for Miracles 2017. As part of the initiative participating credit unions will make a donation to a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for each credit or debit card transaction made by their members on 19 October.
“We encourage all credit unions to support the movement by celebrating it,” added Mr Tucker.
