OCUF announced Thursday the Annual General Meeting will be held at 9:30 am on Thursday, May 13th. 

We’ll be Zoomin’ again this year! You can grab your cup of coffee or tea or whatever suites your fancy to listen in on this annual event. 

This year we will be presenting the Distinguished Service Award as well as an Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award. The submissions were excellent, and we expect you’ll be as impressed as we are. 

You need to register to attend, so we can get out the meeting link to you (no later than May 10th). You must be a member to vote. Lifetime members and annual members can vote. If you are not a member and would like to become one, check out the membership details. 

See you at the AGM!

We are excited to announce the 30th Golf Classic will be played at Cherry Downs Golf Club on the eastern edge of Greater Toronto. Cherry Downs Golf Club is easily accessible, but delivers the atmosphere of a grand and peaceful old club.

Designed by Canadian architectural icon Howard Watson, the course opened in 1962 on rolling terrain framed by woodlands. Fifty years later, Cherry Downs is a mature course that fits the eye like a grand master’s painting, but the dense forests and roller-coaster fairways are a stern test of course management.

Designed as a homage to the greens at Augusta National, the devilish putting surfaces are our most defining feature. Slippery slopes, plateaus, run-offs and the protective surrounds will test your putting mettle. Before your round, hit the range which features six target greens.

As the first course in the ClubLink family, Cherry Downs holds a special place in the hearts of many for its adventure, challenging greens and old-time beauty.

We say good by to another well known and respected member of the credit union community.

Bob Watson passed away at age 70 on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021, after a very courageous two year battle with cancer. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Bob’s greatest joy and fulfillment in life was his role as husband, dad and papa. He led a close, loving and loyal family. He showed us the importance of putting others first, how far a listening ear or helping hand can really go, and how a simple smile can often brighten even the gloomiest of days. He always put others first and was happiest when the whole gang gathered for any occasion!

As Manager of Atlas Steels Credit Union, and eventually CEO of PenFinancial Credit Union, Bob will be remembered for his indomitable spirit, compassion and dedication to his local community. A rare gem in the business world, he was respected and loved by many. When you met Bob, he left a lasting impression. If it was at a business meeting or on the golf course, his warm smile, sense of humour, and interest in you made him a person you truly enjoyed being with.

Known as Wobbly to his friends, Bob was fortunate to have shared life’s adventures with many longtime buddies who have certainly become a chosen second family. It was these bonds and friendships where Bob learned to embrace and embody the joys of remaining eternally young at heart.

The family know that Bob touched the lives of so many and his greatest wish was that we remember him for the joy, laughter and good times shared. He will continue to live on through our stories and memories of him. The family has asked if you could share and any photos and bestowed nicknames at www.cudneyfuneralhome.com. 

On Sunday November 29th, Mike Shepherd passed away at home with his family beside him,. Mike was diagnosed with glioblastoma in the summer of 2019.  Mike was a truly wonderful man who was married to the love of his life Linda, and they had two amazing sons, Jeff and Jim.

Many will remember Mike was CEO of Prosperity ONE Credit Union. For the past number of years Mike was a Board member of FirstOntario Credit Union. Very active in his community he was Board Chair of Halton Learning Foundation (HFL) and recently, Chair of HLF’s finance committee.  Mike also contributed greatly to the MS Society of Halton as their top fundraiser in Canada. He was a strong supporter of Junior Achievement and the Milton Chamber of Commerce as Chair. Mike was honoured with the Milton Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award this past April. 

Mike’s love of community and of giving to others has left an indelible legacy. 

A lifetime member of the Ontario Credit Union Foundation, Mike’s voice is no longer with us, but his spirit and memory live on.

Credit Union Community pulls together at 29th Golf Classic

This has been a year like no other.

It was a difficult decision; cancel the 29th Golf Classic or postpone it from June to September. Cancelling the event would have meant there would not have been a CU Succeed Youth Bursary program in 2021. Postponing it was a risk as who knew when a second wave might hit?

September 14th was chosen, and we reached out to credit unions and suppliers in the sector. It was incredibly rewarding to see so many step up and support the fundraiser. We are very grateful to all who contributed.

We went forward with the Golf Classic in a COVID environment. It was a different event than in past years, but golfers and sponsors were enthusiastic and happy to support a strong cause.

Dan Coldwell, OCUF Board Chair said, “the event raised $68,740, an amazing result thanks to our golfers and sponsors. Each of you can stand tall knowing you are investing in the future of students and their educational pursuits.”

“This shows that our community can and will continue to come together to support important causes. Applause all around!” commented Frugina Ball, OCUF Vice Chair.

Credit Unions in Ontario can also sign up to be Bursary Boosters. This year $7,500 was contributed from Gold Boosters Ganaraska, Heritage Savings, Momentum, Northern, Oshawa Community and Sudbury. Silver Boosters included Comtech Fire, Frontline and Tandia.

The 2021 CU Succeed Youth Bursary will help post-secondary students during a time when their needs have been hampered by reduced part-time and summer employment opportunities. We look forward to creating a bursary pool of $75,000 next year thanks to the Golf Classic and Bursary Boosters.

The CU Succeed Youth Bursary over the past five years has awarded $361,000 to 258 students.

A big thank you to all of our sponsors this year!

$75,000 Awarded to Ontario Students

From Ancaster to Woodstock, Thunder Bay to Barry’s Bay, Lasalle to Carlton Place and many points in between, the CU Succeed Youth Bursary recognized 67 outstanding recipients with a bursary ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

The bursary created five years ago by Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF), awards post-secondary students who have demonstrated financial need, as well as having a strong history of community engagement.

“This has been a challenging year with COVID-19 severely limiting summer income for students, making the additional supports such as our bursary program a valuable supplement to offset tuition or living expenses” said OCUF Board Chair, Dan Coldwell. “The quality and number of applicants continues to increase each year. It is rewarding to see so many member credit unions supporting the bursary in their branches with social media.”

Elisabeth van der Pol, a Board Director with WFCU Credit Union, who has reviewed submissions for the past five years commented, “It is amazing that these students can fit in so many extra curricular activities such as volunteering and sports, while maintaining strong grades. Just when you think these applications cannot get any stronger, they do, and they continue to impress.”

A total of $75,000 was awarded to 67 students from twenty credit unions located across Ontario. This brings our five-year total to $361,000 in bursaries presented to 258 students. Click to view the list of students and credit unions.

The annual fundraiser, the 29th Golf Classic is coming up September 14th at The Club at Bond Head. Proceeds from this event will fund the 2021 bursary pool. Click for more information.

We congratulate our 2020 bursary recipients and wish them a successful school year.

We are excited to announce the date and location of the 29th Golf Classic. It will be held on Monday June 8, 2020 at The Club at Bond Head.

The Club at Bond Head offers the ultimate golf experience just minutes west of Highway 400, a few kilometres north of Aurora, Ontario. Two magnificent courses, designed by the renowned firm of Hurdzan-Fry, are presided over by a palatial clubhouse.

We will be playing the South Course, a links-style track, with wide fairways, gaping bunkers and fescue roughs. You might want to bring your Scottish accent to feel at home here!

The past two years we have held the Golf Classic in Toronto to make it a bit more centralized. This year we have gone north of Toronto to make it easier to get to for those traveling the 401 coming in from the east or west. Anyone coming out of Toronto will be against the flow of rush hour.

The 12-hole format was well received last year and will be repeated at this year’s event.  More information will follow on sponsorship opportunities and registration.

Over the past four years, this event has helped fund the CU Succeed Youth Bursary which has awarded $286,000 to 191 students.

We are very pleased to announce Ken Janzen, Chief Executive Office of PenFinancial Credit Union was elected to the Board of Directors at the recent Annual General Meeting.

OCUF Board Chair Dan Coldwell stated, “Ken is a terrific addition to our Board. His many years of experience in the credit union sector, his extensive network, and his passion for giving back to his community are exactly the attributes we look for in individuals charged with governance and oversight of the Foundation.”

Ken has a well-respected reputation in the credit union sector, leading PenFinancial in the position of CEO the last 4 years and prior to that spending 30 years with Meridian.

Ken is a proud Business and Economics graduate of Brock University and has completed a variety of credit union focused courses in leadership, management, and commercial banking practices. As a Rotarian, Ken is very active in his community. He is a member of the board of directors for the Niagara Children’s Centre as well as the Red Roof Retreat in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Ken’s co-operative and philanthropic efforts also extend nationally as a member of the board of directors for the Foundation for International Development Assistance, a Canadian Charitable organization that provides resources to rural communities in Haiti who are motivated to advance themselves economically.

A life-long resident of Niagara, Ken and his wife Donna reside in St. Catharines and have three grown children. In his spare time, Ken enjoys travelling and keeping active by running and golfing.

We are excited to announce the date and location of the 29th Golf Classic. It will be held on Monday June 8, 2020 at The Club at Bond Head.

The Club at Bond Head offers the ultimate golf experience just minutes west of Highway 400, a few kilometres north of Aurora, Ontario. Two magnificent courses, designed by the renowned firm of Hurdzan-Fry, are presided over by a palatial clubhouse.

We will be playing the South Course, a links-style track, with wide fairways, gaping bunkers and fescue roughs. You might want to bring your Scottish accent to feel at home here!

The past two years we have held the Golf Classic in Toronto to make it a bit more centralized. This year we have gone north of Toronto to make it easier to get to for those traveling the 401 coming in from the east or west. Anyone coming out of Toronto will be against the flow of rush hour.

The 12-hole format was well received last year and will be repeated at this year’s event.  More information will follow on sponsorship opportunities and registration.

Over the past four years, this event has helped fund the CU Succeed Youth Bursary which has awarded $286,000 to 191 students.

Over the years, OCUF has recognized individuals and organizations who have contributed significantly to our Foundation. The recipients join a list of very impressive contributors to the Foundation. Our first award was presented in 1992, and since then we have awarded 10 Friend of the Foundation awards to organizations, and 30 to individuals.

At the virtual Annual General Meeting held May 6, 2020 Dan Coldwell, Board Chair had the privilege of announcing a new Friend of the Foundation inductee.

“This individual has served on the OCUF Board for six years. He has been a strong contributor to the Foundations communications efforts and a sound advisor. He has helped steer the strategic direction of the Foundation pushing for measurable outcomes. He has frequently worked in the background as an influencer and helped to raise the Foundation’s profile. I will miss your sage counsel and strategic insights. It gives me great pleasure to induct Scott Windsor as a Friend of the Foundation” said Dan Coldwell.

Scott thanked his fellow Board members for their support and reminded everyone he is a Lifetime Member of OCUF and would continue to be an ambassador for the Foundation. 

Thank you for your service Scott, you will be missed.

Click here for more information on the Friend of the Foundation Award.

We are excited to announce the date and location of the 29th Golf Classic. It will be held on Monday June 8, 2020 at The Club at Bond Head.

The Club at Bond Head offers the ultimate golf experience just minutes west of Highway 400, a few kilometres north of Aurora, Ontario. Two magnificent courses, designed by the renowned firm of Hurdzan-Fry, are presided over by a palatial clubhouse.

We will be playing the South Course, a links-style track, with wide fairways, gaping bunkers and fescue roughs. You might want to bring your Scottish accent to feel at home here!

The past two years we have held the Golf Classic in Toronto to make it a bit more centralized. This year we have gone north of Toronto to make it easier to get to for those traveling the 401 coming in from the east or west. Anyone coming out of Toronto will be against the flow of rush hour.

The 12-hole format was well received last year and will be repeated at this year’s event.  More information will follow on sponsorship opportunities and registration.

Over the past four years, this event has helped fund the CU Succeed Youth Bursary which has awarded $286,000 to 191 students.

Ontario Credit Union Foundation is proud to announce Dorothy Watson is the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes outstanding service to the Ontario Credit Union movement beyond the level of the individual credit union.

Graduating from university in the 1980’s during a recession, a temp agency placement got Dorothy started with The Co-operative Trust Company of Canada, setting her on a trajectory where each of her subsequent roles further defined and refined member services within the Ontario credit union system.

More than any isolated accomplishments, it is the consistency throughout Dorothy’s entire career that demonstrates her passion and commitment to the credit union system. Through milestone projects, different roles and evolving organizational structures and mandates, Dorothy always remained steadfast in her service to credit unions, particularly within the executive team ranks. Whether you look back on comments received from members in the 1990s through to the numerous accolades received as she marked her retirement from Central 1 in 2019, the sentiments are consistent in their gratitude for her guidance, insight and support.

“On behalf of OCUF I want to congratulate Dorothy Watson for the mark she left on the credit union sector in Ontario and beyond. Throughout her 37-year career she made a difference. With influence, coaching and compassion she helped shape our sector to what it is today” said Dan Coldwell, Board Chair.

Click here for more information on the Distinguished Service Award.

We are excited to announce the date and location of the 29th Golf Classic. It will be held on Monday June 8, 2020 at The Club at Bond Head.

The Club at Bond Head offers the ultimate golf experience just minutes west of Highway 400, a few kilometres north of Aurora, Ontario. Two magnificent courses, designed by the renowned firm of Hurdzan-Fry, are presided over by a palatial clubhouse.

We will be playing the South Course, a links-style track, with wide fairways, gaping bunkers and fescue roughs. You might want to bring your Scottish accent to feel at home here!

The past two years we have held the Golf Classic in Toronto to make it a bit more centralized. This year we have gone north of Toronto to make it easier to get to for those traveling the 401 coming in from the east or west. Anyone coming out of Toronto will be against the flow of rush hour.

The 12-hole format was well received last year and will be repeated at this year’s event.  More information will follow on sponsorship opportunities and registration.

Over the past four years, this event has helped fund the CU Succeed Youth Bursary which has awarded $286,000 to 191 students.

The Ontario Credit Union Foundation is very excited to announce Quinte First Credit Union was selected as the 2020 Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award. The award is presented annually to a member credit union in recognition of their contribution to the community.

This award recognizes community impact, which can take many forms. The review process involves assessing the submission in five key areas: Description of Community Investment, Community Impact, Recognition Received, Submission Presentation, and Power of ‘the story’.

OCUF Board Chair Dan Coldwell stated, “This year has been like no other in our industry. COVID-19 has demanded swift course corrections and stepping up communication channels to best serve members. On top of their ongoing commitment to their members, Quinte First stood out in this regard and we are delighted to recognize their efforts and excellence with this award. Leadership and staff have demonstrated caring, commitment and community.”

President and CEO of Quinte First, Carrie Gregoire commented, “Grounded in co-operative values, we work hard to be a positive, caring and impactful influence on the lives of our members, our staff and the community. I would like to thank the Ontario Credit Union Foundation for this honour and I gratefully accept it on behalf of the wonderful team I have at Quinte First. It is a bright spot in what are otherwise difficult times.”

Congratulations Quinte First!

We are excited to announce the date and location of the 29th Golf Classic. It will be held on Monday June 8, 2020 at The Club at Bond Head.

The Club at Bond Head offers the ultimate golf experience just minutes west of Highway 400, a few kilometres north of Aurora, Ontario. Two magnificent courses, designed by the renowned firm of Hurdzan-Fry, are presided over by a palatial clubhouse.

We will be playing the South Course, a links-style track, with wide fairways, gaping bunkers and fescue roughs. You might want to bring your Scottish accent to feel at home here!

The past two years we have held the Golf Classic in Toronto to make it a bit more centralized. This year we have gone north of Toronto to make it easier to get to for those traveling the 401 coming in from the east or west. Anyone coming out of Toronto will be against the flow of rush hour.

The 12-hole format was well received last year and will be repeated at this year’s event.  More information will follow on sponsorship opportunities and registration.

Over the past four years, this event has helped fund the CU Succeed Youth Bursary which has awarded $286,000 to 191 students.