By Laura Enock
Can your credit union successfully engage young people, generate lots of community buzz, and get great media coverage for just over $5,000? According to Jon Begg, Manager of Strategic Alliances at Kawartha Credit Union in Ontario, Canada, the answer is: you bet!
Like many U.S. credit unions, Kawartha, in business for 60 years, takes pride in giving back to its communities and has recently expanded into four additional markets. Begg immediately began networking in the new communities and says, “We’re always looking for opportunities to work with other businesses and charities to help the credit union while helping other organizations.” He was soon collaborating with the head of an organization called Team Cornwall, which attracts new businesses and promotes the quality of life that area residents have come to love.
Kawartha supports four categories that are meaningful to the community and to the CU: youth programs, environment, healthcare, and education.