KILLARNEY CREDIT UNION CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION ON OCTOBER 20th
On Oct. 20, 2016, Killarney Credit Union will join 57,000 credit unions from around the world to celebrate International Credit Union Day®, an annual event which celebrates the important role and contribution that financial cooperatives play in the local communities in which they serve.
To celebrate this special day, Killarney Credit Union is welcoming older members to enjoy a light refreshments in the branch on the day and the younger members can submit their posters to win a goodie bag.
International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually since 1948 in October. The international event affords credit unions across Ireland the opportunity to remember credit unions’ proud history and promote awareness of and support for the credit union difference.
This year’s theme, “The Authentic Difference” celebrates what makes credit unions truly different. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions for over 217 million members in 105 countries worldwide. Worldwide, 57,000 credit unions exist to serve their members, providing a great place to save money and access affordable loans. In the South Kerry area, Killarney Credit Unions serves 25,000 members, who have savings worth €90m in the credit union. In the past year alone Killarney Credit Union has provided €24m in loans within the community.
Speaking about International Credit Union Day Mark Murphy, CEO Killarney Credit Union said: “The Credit Union Movement only came to Ireland in 1958 but it tapped into the co-operative spirit in communities all over the country. It's a worldwide phenomenon that just keeps on growing … which is a real cause for international celebration!
It is a unique people-centred service to meet the unique needs of ordinary people. Anyone can join a credit union - one of the differences from opening a bank account is that you become a member – and not just a number. This theme honours credit unions’ mission to put people before profit. All credit unions share a common goal to offer access to affordable financial services to all their members and provide even the most financially disadvantaged the tools and the opportunities to be financially self-sufficient. This is the credit union difference that makes a real impact".
Mark Murphy concluded by saying; "Killarney Credit Union is embedded in the local South Kerry community. Because of our members, we are able to play a vital role in the development and financial stability of the community. Yes we are changing to meet member's needs, like introducing new electronic payment services, online access to accounts, and a raft of other services like bill pay and foreign exchange but our ethos remains the same and change will not be allowed to compromise what we stand for, or how we serve members’ best interests. Our strength lies in our difference and we are very proud of this fact.”
