May 27, 2008

TORONTO -- Credit unions and co-operatives around the world will use the theme It Belongs to Me as they celebrate International Credit Union Day on Oct. 16 and Co-op Week from Oct. 12-18.

“Despite facing competitive challenges in today’s world, credit unions and co-operatives thrive due to their focus on serving members,” said Pete Crear, president and CEO for World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). “In many of the countries we serve, co-operatives are not only the best way to meet members’ financial needs, they’re often the only way. Credit union principles must be preserved for the sake of these members and the continuing strength of the credit union movement worldwide, a recognition our joint events are designed to celebrate.”

Demonstrating true co-operation at an international level, this year’s theme for International Credit Union Day and Co-op Week was chosen by a U.S./Canadian committee representing credit unions and co-operatives worldwide. This is the first year that Canadian co-operatives have aligned their Co-op Week theme and artwork with the international theme used by WOCCU and its members.

“Co-op Week/Credit Union Day has come to be an important celebration for co-operators in Canada,” said Carol Hunter, executive director of the Canadian Co-operative Association. “This year we have even more to celebrate. It is inspiring to realize that in October tens of millions of people around the world will join together in celebrating co-operatives and credit unions under this common theme.”

To promote worldwide involvement, the multi-national committee invited its member organizations to submit suggestions for the 2008 theme. Laquita Normore, marketing and communications manager for Eagle River Credit Union in L'Anse au Loup, Newfoundland, submitted It Belongs to Me.

“We received an overwhelming response from across the country, with some credit unions inviting all staff to offer suggestions,” said David Phillips, president and CEO of Credit Union Central of Canada. “I’m delighted that the winning theme was suggested by one of our member credit unions.”

The theme perfectly encapsulates the credit union and co-operative spirit, Normore explained. It Belongs to Me represents ownership, but also suggests a sense of loyalty and personal pride, she said.
Dan Mica, president and CEO of CUNA & Affiliates, agrees: “At credit unions, every customer is both a member and an owner. This year’s theme celebrates the economic democracy and equal ownership rights of each credit union member regardless of how much money that member may have in savings.”

"Co-op Week has been celebrated by francophones throughout Canada since 1958," said Brigitte Gagné, executive director of the Conseil Canadien de la Coopération. "Under the theme It Belongs to Me, we will continue to highlight the importance of supporting the co-operative model as a lasting solution to many social and economic challenges."

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.

Both events provide an opportunity to honour those who have made great contributions to the co-operative movement, to recognize the hard work of board and staff members working on behalf of credit unions and co-operatives today, and to express appreciation to members of credit unions and co-operatives living at home and abroad.