Oakville, ON – September 16, 2024 – The Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) proudly announces the tremendous success of its 33rd Annual Golf Classic, which took place on Monday, September 9, 2024. This year’s event raised an amazing $78,000 to support the CU Succeed Youth Bursary, an initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation through educational support. 

The highly anticipated Golf Classic, hosted at the Royal Ontario Golf Club, saw participation from over 130 enthusiastic golfers, including credit union members, business partners, and supporters. We also had 10 participants for our non-golfer event, where David Levy from Chocolate Tales led a wonderful macaron baking experience. The day was a testament to the power of community spirit, showcasing both competitive play and generous philanthropy.  

We had a special guest at the event, three-time bursary recipient – Jacintha Groen In ‘t Woud. She is a shining example of the many students OCUF supports through the bursary program. In her address, Jacintha shared her personal journey and expressed deep gratitude for the support provided by the CU Succeed Youth Bursary. She highlighted how the financial assistance has been instrumental in her academic pursuits and her commitment to making a positive impact in the field of engineering. Her words resonated strongly with the audience, underscoring the tangible difference that the funds raised at the Golf Classic will make in the lives of students across Ontario. 

The funds raised during this year’s Golf Classic will be instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s mission to support youth education and leadership across Ontario. The monies from the Golf Classic, Bursary Booster campaign, along with invested permanent capital fund earning will fund a pool for the 2025 CU Succeed Youth Bursary anticipated to be $100,000.   

OCUF extends our heartfelt thanks to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made the 33rd Annual Golf Classic a memorable and successful event. Their unwavering support plays a vital role in supporting and empowering our students. 

 For media inquiries or more information, please contact:  

Rea Vriends, Digital Media, Marketing & Administration 

(289) 877-8864 rea@ocuf.org 

Toronto, ON (May 16, 2024) –José Gallant, Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President at Alterna Savings, is the 2024 recipient of the Ontario Credit Union Foundation’s (OCUF) prestigious Distinguished Service Award. Alterna also received OCUF’s esteemed Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award.

The Distinguished Service Award

This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and made meaningful contributions to the credit union movement in Ontario beyond the individual credit union level.

“I am delighted to congratulate José on this well-deserved honour,” says Rob Paterson, President and CEO at Alterna Savings and Alterna Bank. “José has been instrumental in Alterna’s evolution and remains a steadfast, collaborative leader who empowers and supports the full Alterna team and the wider credit union system.”

José’s 35-year career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the credit union values and cooperative principles. She has been a cornerstone of Alterna Savings’ Executive Leadership Team for over 25 years and, during that time, has led nearly all functional areas of Alterna. José has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the credit union space through her work with governing and regulatory bodies. She served on the Canadian Credit Union Association board from 2017 to 2020 and works in an advisory capacity for the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario. Her rich experience and valuable contributions within financial services, governance and regulatory sectors make her an ideal winner of the Distinguished Service Award.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, José Gallant of Alterna Savings, for her remarkable contributions to the credit union system. Your dedication and achievements have truly made a difference. We wish you continued success in your endeavours. We also extend congratulations to Alterna Savings for receiving the 2024 Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award. We are so pleased to recognize the contributions made by your Community Impact team.” – Liisa Woolley, Chair of the OCUF Board.

Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award

This award is given annually to a credit union (or company within the cooperative financial system) in recognition of their contributions to the community. Their dedicated Community Impact team focuses Alterna’s community support on four key programs:

•  Financial Resilience: supports 4,600+ organizations and individuals in the non-profit, charitable, cooperative, and affordable housing sectors, strengthening their financial sustainability.
•  Microfinance: this award-winning program provides entrepreneurs, individuals, and organizations access to capital and affordable financial products. It has issued over 1,500 loans totalling nearly $10M since its inception in 2000.
•  Community and Financial Inclusion Granting: provides funding to community initiatives that address financial inclusion and/or financial education.
•  Financial Education: hosts 100+ events annually, exemplifying Alterna’s commitment to uplifting the communities we serve.

About Alterna Savings

Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited (Alterna Savings) has been the good in banking® for over 115 years. As the first full-service, member-owned cooperative financial institution outside Quebec, Alterna Savings shares its expertise with over 210,000 members through a network of over 40 branches across Ontario, as well as call centre and digital channels. Members and customers also benefit from an industry-leading online brokerage, investment management services, and have access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs in North America with THE EXCHANGE Network in Canada and the Allpoint Network in the US. Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited operates as Alterna Savings. Alterna Savings is a credit union operating in Ontario.

To learn more about Alterna Savings, please visit alterna.ca, X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

For information on deposit insurance, please ask for a brochure at the credit union or visit the FSRA’s website at www.fsrao.ca/.

 About Ontario Credit Union Foundation

Over the past 45 years the Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) has supported credit unions and cooperatives with their philanthropic giving in communities across Ontario. The Foundation is like private and local community foundations in that it administers funds created by donors for specific charitable purposes. In addition to the 30+ funds OCUF manages, their main charitable activity is the support of youth education and leadership.

For more information about the Ontario Credit Union Foundation, please visit ocuf.org.

Media Contacts:

Samira Rehman  – Director, Communications                Clayton Shold – Executive Director
Alterna Savings | Alterna Bank                                           Ontario Credit Union Foundation

E: samira.rehman@alterna.ca                                            E: clayton@ocuf.org

Meet Madison Greenough! She was a two-time recipient of the CU Succeed Youth Bursary 7 years ago. We are so glad to have received an update on her journey, following her support from us!  

Madison did two simultaneous undergraduate degrees, one at the University of Waterloo in mathematics with a focus in statistics, and the other at Wilfrid Laurier University in Business with a finance option and economics minor. Following that, she did a master’s in data science at the University of British Columbia. During her time at the University of Waterloo, she was a member of two varsity teams, cross country and track and field. She was the captain of both teams for two years! 

She is currently working as a Data Engineer for the St. Louis Blues in Hockey Operations! What an amazing career. Following university, she moved to British Columbia where she now lives on a forest service road in an off-grid tiny home. She explores the beautiful backcountry every chance she gets! She spends time skiing, hiking, and camping in all seasons. We asked Madison to answer a few questions for us. Read up on her responses below! 

What is your favorite movie, and why? 

“I think I should probably say Moneyball, because I’ve been asked several times since I started my role with the Blues if my job is like the movie. I do credit the movie for opening my eyes to the possibility of combining my talents for math with my love for hockey. I was 12 when I first saw Moneyball and decided it would be a dream job to work in hockey analytics. Fast forward 12 more years, and I’m working in a 21st century Moneyball-like job, only in hockey, and with a lot more technology!” 

How do you feel the CU Succeed Youth Bursary contributed to where you are today? 

“I was lucky enough to receive this bursary twice, in my first and second years of undergrad. It was a huge help to fund my studies, allowing me to focus on completing two degrees simultaneously while also competing on two varsity teams. It also helped me feel more confident in my financial situation when I decided to pursue further education and complete my master’s degree afterwards.” 

What is your best advice for our incoming students, starting their university journeys? 

“There is a lot to learn outside of the classroom! Everyone probably says this, but it goes by quick. Right from the beginning, try to learn new things, join intramurals or clubs, and step outside of your comfort zone to be a part of the university community outside of academics. Your fondest memories and closest friends will have been from those events and activities outside of studying.” 

We are so happy to see Madison thriving with the help of OCUF. We sincerely thank Madison for sharing her story and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors!  

Wagepoint is excited to partner with the Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF), joining
forces because of a shared understanding – juggling academics with all the added
expenses can be tough for students.

Built on the alignment of values, this partnership is about making a collective difference.
Wagepoint is thrilled to extend the benefits of its payroll solution to both credit unions
and their members, supporting small businesses by simplifying payroll processes,
offering an intuitive experience with transparent pricing and personalized support.
These features empower small business owners to focus on their core operations while
entrusting their payroll needs are efficiently managed by Wagepoint.

Maximize your credit union’s potential
Currently, Wagepoint is collaborating with several credit unions, including a member CU
of the OCUF, as a referral partner. Through Wagepoint’s Credit Union referral program
credit union members can enjoy preferred pricing, dedicated support from the world’s
friendliest team, and additional solutions for Time and People management. Most
importantly, members can relax knowing they’ve paid everyone accurately and on time,
while also staying on top of their payroll taxes.

Credit unions also get to reap the rewards as they strengthen their product offerings to
increase member attraction and retention, while partnering with an organization that
shares values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. On top of that, successful
referrals bring in extra revenue for credit unions. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Simplify your payroll journey with Wagepoint
Imagine a world where tax calculations, deductions, and compliance filings are no
longer a headache. With Wagepoint, small businesses can say goodbye to those
worries, saving valuable time through streamlined processes while ensuring accuracy in
every payroll run.

But that’s not all. Wagepoint was designed with user-friendliness in mind, catered to
both seasoned payroll pros and those who are just getting started in their payroll
journey. With its intuitive interface and straightforward navigation, processing payroll is
as simple as clicking a button.

Transparency is at the heart of Wagepoint’s ethos. Say goodbye to hidden fees and
surprises – what you see is what you get. With clear and affordable pricing plans, small
businesses can budget effectively, promoting financial stability and peace of mind.

Grow with the world’s friendliest payroll
Wagepoint’s Canadian-grown customer support is the payroll best friend you’ve always
wanted. Have a payroll question? They’re ready to answer. Need help with onboarding?
They’ve got your back. Whether you’ve got an issue, or just want to chat, Wagepoint
customer support is there with you every step of the way.

As small businesses grow and evolve, so does Wagepoint, delivering a consistent and
reliable payroll experience. With a scalable platform, Wagepoint accommodates growth
seamlessly without compromising on efficiency.

If you’re ready to experience the magic of Wagepoint and take the stress out of payroll
for your small business members please reach out to Jeff De Carlo, Partner Specialist at
jdecarlo@wagepoint.com or at 613.301.1720.

A good read. Source – Globe & Mail, April 30, 2023

A total of eighty outstanding students representing 21 Ontario credit unions shared $100,000 in CU Succeed Youth Bursary awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Students were adjudicated on four criteria, the main two being demonstrated financial need and community support.

This is the seventh year Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) has presented awards. Over this time, we have distributed $536,000 to 407 post-secondary students.

“When Credit Unions collaborate, great things happen. Together, we’re helping to break down barriers to affordable post-secondary education and doing our part to build strong capable youth in our communities. OCUF is incredibly thankful to our Credit Union partners who continue to support the CU Succeed Bursary program, by investing in youth education and promoting the bursary program to youth in their community.  We are especially grateful to our Credit Union Bursary Boosters, our corporate supporters and golfers who sponsor the Golf Classic, which help to make the CU Succeed Bursary possible” said Board Chair Liisa Woolley.

Board Director Mimi Regimbal commented, “it is so rewarding to review applications and learn about these amazing students. While every situation is different, these worthy students have shown perseverance and commitment in their pursuit of higher education and have demonstrated community leadership.  It makes me extremely proud to be part of an organization, like OCUF, that financially helps to support students in achieving their educational goals.”

The 30th Golf Classic happens September 12, 2022, at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington. There is still time to register for golf or sign on as a sponsor and support next year’s, CU Succeed Youth Bursary program. Please visit our website for details.

We congratulate our 2022 bursary recipients and wish them a successful school year.

At the recent Ontario Credit Union Foundation Annual General Meeting, Director Elisabeth van der Pol presented the Distinguished Service Award to Janet Grantham, recently retired from Mainstreet Credit Union.

Elisabeth commented, “Having been in the credit union system for many years, I, like many of you, have had the pleasure to interact with what I will call legends in our sector. This award recognizes those who have distinguished themselves in service to the credit union movement. As one of the adjudicators this year, our task was not easy. Multiple submissions were received, all of whom were leaders in our industry, terribly well respected, and all worthy. When the votes were tabulated, as close as they were, one person came out on top, Janet Grantham.”

Janet began her credit union career in 1979 as an employee of the Barrie Community Credit Union. After two years, she moved to the Ontario Provincial Police Association Credit Union. It was in 1985 when Janet moved to London, Ontario and continued her journey within the financial services sector. She later joined Kellogg Employees Credit Union where she remained for fifteen years. During her time there, she became the first person to win the Credit Union Central of Ontario Mentorship Award. In 2004, Janet accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer at Sydenham Credit Union (in Strathroy, Ontario), where she served fearlessly for over 17 years before retiring in September 2021.

Janet has also given her personal time to causes she is passionate about. Whether it is the London-Middlesex United Way, specializing in mental health city-wide programs, or improving local health care through her work on the Strathroy-Middlesex General Hospital Foundation board, she has always been dedicated and committed to the betterment of our surrounding communities.

In 2013, Janet joined the board of the SMGH Hospital Foundation. After one year, Janet was asked to sit on the Executive Committee as Vice Chair, then moved to Chair in 2016. Janet’s experience with governance proved invaluable to the foundation, as she helped the board focus on their true purpose to raise funds in support of Strathroy’s hospital. With Janet’s help, the SMGH Hospital Foundation has created a new governance model, developed a long-term strategic fundraising plan, and improved their working relationship with the hospital.

Over Janet’s four-decade commitment to the credit union system, she continuously highlighted the cooperative principles and values that credit unions stand by. By many, she was known as the person you could go to if you wanted to mull over ideas, she would be there to provide counsel, or help work through any problem. She was well-known to bring her collaborative and solutions-focused approach to working groups, committees, and the Board room. As a leader, Janet always believed that offering the best member experience and advice will lead to significant impact and growth.

Over the years, Janet was also known to put in a great amount of time and effort in Toronto (Queen’s Park) and Ottawa as a lobbyist and advocate for credit unions. She would meet with community leaders and government officials to ensure that credit unions’ (big or small) were heard.

Since her path in the Canadian credit union system started over 40 years ago, Janet showed unparallel commitment to helping credit unions be competitive, sustainable, and most importantly; dedicated to their members, communities, and cooperative values.

On behalf of OCUF and the credit union sector in Ontario we extend our sincere congratulations!

Kawartha Credit Union wins Ontario Credit Union Foundation’s Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award

On Thursday May 19th, Kawartha Credit Union accepted the Ontario Credit Union Foundation’s Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award.

 The Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) supports credit unions and co-operatives with their philanthropic giving in communities across Ontario. Each year OCUF recognizes a credit union (or company within the co-operative financial system) with their Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award for their contributions to their communities.

 “OCUF is thrilled to recognize Kawartha Credit Union’s community achievements for the second time. Kawartha first won this award in 2011, and they have continuously proven their commitment to supporting important causes that have positive impacts on their members and their branch communities. We are delighted to recognize their outstanding contributions with the 2022 award,” said Clayton Shold, OCUF’s Executive Director.

 “Kawartha extends our sincere thanks to the Ontario Credit Union Foundation for recognizing our credit union for this award. Our Community Involvement Program was introduced in 1998, and to date, Kawartha has donated over $3 million to charitable and social causes that support health, education, youth, and the environment. In 2021, we supported over 60 organizations and causes in 16 branch communities from Parry Sound to Cornwall,” commented Norah McCarthy, Kawartha’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Added McCarthy, “Giving back to our communities is a vital component of Kawartha Credit Union’s culture. We grow stronger as an organization, as a team, and as individuals when we give of our time and talents to enhance the well-being of the communities we serve. We truly live our value of care for others.”

Nancy Herr, Chair of Kawartha’s Board of Directors commented, “Each and every year, our employees participate in dozens of activities that are above and beyond our corporate Community Involvement Program. They challenge one another to make a positive impact, and we are thrilled that their efforts have been recognized with this award. We are proud to work alongside OCUF and our Ontario credit union system colleagues to make a difference.”

 

We were saddened to learn of Jean Wansbrough’s passing on March 28, 2022, in her 95th year.

Tim Dauphinee and Jean Wansbrough were inducted as “Friends of the Foundation” in 2016.

Born in Lindsay, Ontario, Jean was a lifelong environmentalist and pioneering outdoor educator. In her 25 years teaching at Swansea Public School in Toronto, followed by her tenure as residential outdoor educator for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Jean touched countless lives, gifting a keen appreciation for the natural world to all those she worked with. Through experiential outdoor learning, Jean’s guiding philosophy was to help establish a life foundation of self-esteem for young educators and youth. The positive, formative impact she had on so many is a testament to this.

Jean’s Bachelor of Arts (University of Toronto) and Masters (Michigan State University) studies were done after-hours over a number of years. Among her many public accomplishments, Jean was the recipient of the 1984 Robin Dennis Award for outstanding contribution to outdoor education. In addition, Jean was a founding member of the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario, and proudly served as Chair of the Girl Guides Future Trends in Camping Committee.

Jean was a truly joyous person, with boundless enthusiasm and an unforgettable laugh. She was an avid skier, cook, canoeist, camper, and gardener. She was an admirable host, her pantry packed with homemade soups and buckets of ice cream. Beloved by all who knew her, Jean cultivated wonderful communities over the years, from Swansea to Claremont, Albion Hills to Geneva Park, Balsam Lake to Parry Sound. Upon her retirement, Jean’s abundant travels took her from Australia to Iceland and Denmark, with new friends and loved ones growing wherever she went, their smiling faces captured in thousands of photographs. 

While she may have missed her bountiful vegetable gardens in Markham, Jean’s last years were spent comfortably at Tapestry in Etobicoke. Jean was so grateful to be there, especially these last two pandemic years. 

“Funny Aunt Jean”, as she was lovingly known to her family of 20 nieces and nephews, leaves behind her sister Ruth, her treasured friend Norma of 70 years, and is predeceased by her brother, Sandy, and husband, Tim.

Jean’s final passion and legacy is her Jean Wansbrough Leadership Training Fund. Established in 2010, the fund has supported more than 230 youth leaders-in-training at Outdoor Overnight Camps and will continue to do so for many years to come. In lieu of flowers, and in Jean’s honour and tribute, charitable donations can be made at: https://www.jwltf.com/charitable