Happy International Credit Union Day!

Queenslanders Credit Union today celebrated International Credit Union Day and will raise important awareness and funds for developing communities.

This year’s theme, “Credit Unions Unite for Good: A Better Way,” emphasises the benefits of cooperation among credit unions worldwide.

As part of the celebrations, Queenslanders will tomorrow host fundraising events to help international development agency CUFA with the Village Entrepreneur initiative, as part of CUFA’s MAD Day (Make a Difference Day) and Anti-Poverty Week.

The program helps villagers in Cambodia and Timor Leste to break out of poverty by providing sustainable small business income.

Members of the community can get behind the cause by visiting their local branch to buy a raffle ticket. There are fantastic prize packages up for grabs, with items such as a coffee machine, champagne, movie tickets, pampering products, cook books, wine and more.

Many of the branches are also doing additional fundraising. For example, staff at the Booval branch will come to work in fancy dress and are holding a lucky dip and ‘guess the jelly beans in the jar’ competition.

Queenslanders CEO John Weier said International Credit Union Day is positive recognition of credit unions developing local communities. “Credit unions in Australia have invested strongly in local communities and fostered positive economic development,” he said.

“Credit unions are also giving back to help developing nations in our region end the cycle of poverty through better financial services and education.”

Credit unions have more than 200 million customers across 101 countries.