Like all co-operatives, credit unions are guided by the Seven International Co-operative Principles (www.creditunion.mb.ca/about/index.htm), the seventh of which is Concern for Community.

Last year, credit unions across Canada demonstrated their concern for the communities they serve by contributing nearly $37.5 million to local community projects, as well as supporting their communities with money, services and time.

A survey conducted by Credit Union Central of Canada, the national trade association for credit unions, found that that support included nearly $25 million in donations and sponsorships, $1.3 million in scholarships and bursaries, more than $4.5 million in donations to charitable foundations, $3.4 million in financial services contributions to community organizations and also nearly $3.4 million in donations-in-kind.

Here in Manitoba, credit unions donated $2.6 million to community groups and organizations and also gave out $125,000 in scholarships and bursaries.

At the local level, North Winnipeg Credit Union showed its concern for our community by supporting various community organizations, Ukrainian cultural projects and by awarding scholarships to local high school graduates.