5 Ways Credit Unions are Supporting Communities

Community 2 min read

01 May 2020

From supporting local charities and emergency response teams, uplifting members with messages of hope, being there for essential workers, vulnerable members, small businesses. Behind the scenes, credit unions all around the country are doing whatever they can to help those that need it most.

Here are five examples of those who have gone that little extra mile, in true credit union fashion. If you'd like to see what supports are available at your local credit union, click here to get in touch. 
 

1. Cara Credit Union Donates to SVP Meals on Wheels 

 The St Vincent de Paul in Kerry has expanded its ‘Meals on Wheels’ service to seven days a week, to cope with demand from people isolated because of coronavirus. Local chefs who are out of work have been volunteering to cook, while others have been stepping up to help distribute meals.  The organisation has seen huge demand to deliver meals to Tralee and wider Kerry area to a growing amount of vulnerable and cocooning public. Cara Credit Union’s relationship with the organisation goes back to their beginnings Tralee and at beginning of the pandemic, the credit union donated a portion of their marketing budget toward the initiative. The gesture was shared by Meals on Wheels on their Facebook page, outlining their gratiude for the credit union's generosity. 

2. St. Anthony’s and Claddagh Put Aside Special Hours for Health Workers

St. Anthony’s & Claddagh credit union have been opening from 7am to 9.30am daily, to facilitate any frontline staff access to their services before they go to work, or as they come home from a night shift - a lovely touch of gratitude and support for those that need it. Gerry Joyce CEO of St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union said; ‘We wish to thank all frontline staff, including our own Credit Union staff, working for the community through this time of uncertainty.'

3. First South Partners with Cork City Community Responders to share tips

First South credit union have partnered up with Cork City Community First Responders to share  tips and facts about CPR, Cardiac Arrest and the fantastic work they do. A great intiative to show support, as well as sharing interesting content. 

4. WBR Credit Union Competition for Essential Workers

To praise the work of essential staff, and WBR credit union has been running weekly Facebook competitions for essential workers, as well as colouring competitions for children  - based on hope and positivity. 

5. Drogheda Credit Union Introduce Fast SME Loans

 While business banking is not traditionally part of their service, Drogheda credit union is now offering assistance to local traders and companies in Drogheda, East Meath, Dunleer and Trim. They have an emergency business loan ready to offer to small or medium size enterprises with a 6 month interest only option. Tom Kiley CEO commented: ‘We recognise the challenges faced by so many of our local businesses at this time, and we hope that this loan product will provide the support that they need we are here for our whole community during this time, and this includes our friends in business.’

This loan, which is specifically for the SME sector may assist with cash-flow and other challenges that business are facing. Don’t worry if you’re not a credit union member, you can join the credit union and apply for the loan on the same day.