May 19, 2009

TORONTO - The enormous contribution credit unions and co-operatives make to the lives of Canadians and their communities, especially in uncertain economic times, will be the focus of this year's Co-op Week (October 11-17) and International Credit Union Day (October 15) celebrations.

Credit Union Central of Canada (Canadian Central) along with the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and other co-operative associations will call on Canadians to reflect on the many ways co-ops and credit unions improve their lives and strengthen their communities.

In developing this year's Co-op Week and International Credit Union Day campaign, Canadian Central worked closely with international and Canadian partners, including the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) in the United States and the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA), the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité (CCCM), and Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité (CQCM).

"We are pleased to work with other national and international groups on the campaign to promote International Credit Union Day and Co-op Week," said David Phillips, President and CEO of Canadian Central. "We work with these groups year round on projects that support important initiatives that help members around the world cope with trying economic times.

International Credit Union Day will be celebrated around the world on Thursday, October 15 with a common theme, "Your Money, Your Choice, Your Credit Union." The poster will feature silhouettes of people on a bright background of orange, blue and green colours - reflecting the three colours that will be used in Co-op Week poster celebrations.

"This year, more than ever, consumer finance and business experts have repeatedly highlighted credit unions as safe and sound institutions where people can depend on a trusting relationship," said WOCCU President and CEO Pete Crear. "That is truly an accomplishment we can be proud of in these tumultuous times, and we should celebrate it worldwide this October."

Co-op Week celebrations this year will celebrate the advantages of co-operatives in the current economic environment with three posters and themes: "Co-operatives are...putting people first," "Co-operatives are...creating sustainable jobs," "Co-operatives are...investing in communities." Both event posters share consistent graphic elements including the same energetic colors and the use of strong silhouettes.

"While today's economic times pose serious challenges, they also provide an opportunity for the co-operative sector to demonstrate the differences between co-ops and traditional business models," said CCA Executive Director Carol Hunter. "We know that Canadians are increasingly interested in supporting organizations that are open, democratic and put people before profits, and that's what co-operatives and credit unions are all about."

International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October since 1948. The celebration of Co-op Week in Canada became a national event in 1982 with the encouragement of the Co-operative Union of Canada, CCA's predecessor.

Promotional materials for the International Credit Union Day will be available for purchase online on Canadian Central's website www.cucentral.ca in June. Co-op Week materials will be available on CCA's website www.coopscanada.coop.

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For more information contact:

Art Chamberlain
Manager, Media Relations
Credit Union Central of Canada
(416) 540-0869
chamberlaina@cucentral.com