Summerland Credit Union celebrates International Credit Union Day, acknowledging the support of its customers as part of the theme Members Matter Most.

Summerland Credit Union said ICU day was all about celebrating the passion it has for delivering affordable financial services to its local community using “customer first principles”.

“A day like this is a timely reminder of why we exist, which is really well reflected in the ICU theme of Members Matter Most,” Margot Sweeny, Summerland’s CEO said.

“Our ‘customer first’ principles underline a long commitment to our loyal members, who we thank for embracing the difference we offer.”

“As credit unions, we have a rich and proud global history of providing economic growth and stability to local communities through value for money financial services.”

Globally, more than 196 million people are members of credit unions in 100 countries.

Australia’s credit union movement via the Credit Union Foundation of Australia has helped improve lives and reduce poverty by working with countries such as Cambodia, Timor Leste, Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

“On International Credit Union Day we should recognise the efforts of credit unions that have helped lift developing communities in our region out of poverty through access to affordable financial services, which previously did not exist,” Margot said.

“It is also timely to recognise the work of financial co-operatives such as credit unions, in the UN International Year of Co-operatives, for their work in assisting local communities to improve their circumstances.”