Mugging It Up With Luminus!

Basic RGBLuminus Financial in support of their new HUB, came up with the idea to sell their very popular mugs with all the proceeds going to OCUF.

Chief Executive Officer George De La Rosa told us the idea came about when members said they loved the coffee mugs in the new financial hub when it opened. A number or members wanted to buy a mug and the idea blossomed from there. George, who is a Board Director for OCUF, and never one to miss a marketing opportunity to promote the Foundation, suggested the $10 per mug proceeds to to OCUF.

Great idea George. We love you and your team!

OCUCF Announces 25th Anniversary Golf Classic

OCUF_25th_Golf_ImprovSave the Date!

The Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation today announced the date of their 25th anniversary golf classic.

When: Monday, June 13, 2016

Where: Lionhead Golf & Country Club, Mississauga Road, just north of Hwy 407 & Hwy 401

Who: Ontario Credit Unions and their friends and supporters

Why: To raise funds to support OCUF’s youth initiatives including the CYL program.

“We’re excited to reach the 25 year mark in an event which has gained a reputation for being the premier golf event for networking and supporting the charitable works of Ontario Credit Unions,” said Clayton Shold, Executive Director, Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation. “We’re also pleased to announce that CUMIS is returning as the event’s title sponsor.

The anniversary golf classic will be held on Lionhead’s masters course which golfers of all levels will enjoy.

Several enhancements are being incorporated into next year’s event based on feedback received from last year’s participants. For those who don’t want to golf details of a companion event taking place during the golf classic will be announced shortly.

“Participating in this golf classic or companion event is great way to support OCUF’s youth initiatives and make a positive difference in a young person’s life. Over the last 25 years the OCUF golf classic has raised over $1,034,904 for charitable causes,” says Dan Coldwell, Board Chair, OCUF.

Golf registrations will be available in January and will be limited to 144 golfers. Sponsorships are now available. “Named” events are spoken for quickly so do not delay in reserving your opportunity to support the event.

For more information on the event or sponsorships contact Devon Rowan at 289-813-1963 or Clayton Shold at 289-813-1962.

48th CYL Program

CYL_presThrough On Co-op, Ontario credit unions and co-operatives provide young people with the opportunity to attend Co-operative Young Leader (CYL) programs every summer — an experience unlike any other.  This week-long initiative brings young people aged 14-18 together from all across Ontario. CYL’ers learn about, and practice, communication and leadership through co-operative activities, and facilitates further engagement in their co-ops and their communities when they return home. CYL also provides adult professional development through its facilitator training programs.
Since its inception in 1967 over 3,000 young people have gone through Ontario CYL programs.

One of the highlights of the program is when the seniors level participants are given the task of forming a group, and creating a pitch for a new co-operative enterprise idea. This exercise is  invaluable for the participant’s understanding of the co-op sector and philosophy, as well as their own personal / professional development. Groups work hard on their ideas throughout the week, will continuing to participate in many other activities, and have limited time, supplies and computer use. The teams are asked to focus mostly on the need for / and structure of their co-op, while considering only broad/basic budgeting & accounting.

Panel members adjudicate the presentations based on their business idea content as well as how they presented. This year panel members included Wendy Carruthers (Manager of Member & Co-operative Relations at The Co-operators), Guido Chezzi – Former OCUF Foundation Vice Chair, Retired Credit Union Executive), Janice Johnson (Manager, Member & Co-operative Relations at GROWMARK), and Clayton Shold (Executive Director at OCUF).  Suffice it to say there were some very creative and well thought out presentations. The future is in good hands!

2015 Leadership Niagara Bursary Winner

Holly-Mundula-200Congratulations are in order for Holly Mundula, Manager, Business Services Division at FirstOntario Credit Union!  Holly was selected as the recipient of the 2015 Leadership Niagara Bursary. This is a full scholarship to attend the Leadership Niagara program at Brock University.  The scholarship was created from funds donated to OCUF from the historic Niagara Chapter.

Mario De Divitiis, Executive Director of Leadership Niagara also offered his congratulations to Holly: “Leadership Niagara is thrilled to have First Ontario Credit Union join our list of program supporters. Holly’s enthusiasm for the program spoke throughout her application and her dedication to the community of Niagara has already been shown with her past community experience. She is a great fit for our program.”

Leadership Niagara is an innovative program that brings together individuals who are recognized as emerging and aspiring leaders in the public, private and non-profit sectors of our community. Leaders who are passionate about the Niagara region and who want the chance to give back tangibly to their community. The program provides unrivaled opportunities for participants to explore and strengthen their leadership skills, develop a new-found network of meaningful contacts, and learn more about the outstanding characteristics and challenges of our Niagara community.

Applications for the 2016 bursary will be available next summer.

Community First Relay for Life

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The Community First Credit Union team came together for 3 months to get excited and raise funds for Sault Ste. Marie’s annual Relay for Life, supporting the Canadian Cancer Society.

With many of the staff being affected by cancer, the team was large, featuring over 20 individual staff members pitching in to make it a success. Our team was called. “Banking on a Cure” and to support our fundraising efforts we had weekly popcorn days, wore green and jeans on St. Patrick’s Day for $2, sold candy grams and planned some fun Easter-themed fundraising, organized a fun taco lunch on Cinco de Mayo, sold our gently used designer purses, and collected pledges for the event. We even created great team t-shirts which we also sold that said “Who are you walking for?” on the back, and left a place for people to write the name of a loved one, a constant reminder of the reason for Relay For Life.

The experience was unforgettable, and as a team we raised $6,348.80 for the Canadian Cancer Society. The night of the Relay For Life, our staff got involved, hosting a photo booth and selling popcorn at our tent. We are so proud of the accomplishments of our team, and can’t wait for next year! Thank you to OCUF for matching our team’s efforts.

HMECU Supports Motorcycle Ride for Dad

20150626-Last-Day-76HMECU prides itself by giving back to the community. We do this by partnering with our affiliated employer groups such as the Hamilton Police and their charity, Motorcycle Ride for Dad.

Over the past 7 years, HMECU has been a proud supporter of the Motorcycle Ride for Dad to build awareness for Prostate Cancer.  With HMECU being the first `Pit Stop` on the ride, they are able to thank each of the 200+ participants who help raise awareness and funds for this event.  HMECU continuously goes above and beyond with their support within their community.  Recently in addition to their sponsorship and donation to the MRFD, they hosted a BBQ and with a donation towards the event, they were able to raise a little over $600.

With true gratitude to the Ontario Credit Union Foundation for matching the funds raised.  A donation of $1200 was recently presented to the MRFD committee.  This will continue to allow them live by their mission of raising funds to save men’s lives by supporting prostate cancer research and raising public awareness of the disease.