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Toronto Benefits Directly
from Metro Credit Union Support Communities across the province
recipients of credit union giving For Immediate Release (September 12, 2003, Toronto, ON) - Ontario's community-based credit unions have a significant positive impact on the people and organizations in their communities, shows a national survey on corporate giving. The second national survey of credit union philanthropy, conducted
by national polling Metro Credit Union accounted for $34,732 of that total. Last year, the credit union provided monetary support to organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Sistering, and the United Way. In addition, through the Spare Change Program, each month many Metro members donate the "spare change"(under $1) in their accounts to local organizations addressing homelessness, children's issues or the environment. In 2002, $13,188 was donated. "This survey shows the strong commitment Canadian credit unions, including Metro Credit Union, have to the communities we serve. As a community based, member-owned financial institution, Metro and our members are uniquely positioned to contribute to local organizations and projects," says Howard Bogach, CEO, Metro Credit Union. The Ipsos-Reid survey found that health care causes, other non-profit organizations, and education related causes were the recipients of the majority of Ontario credit unions' monetary support, including donations in kind and financial services. Several respondents indicated they provide financial services to community organizations, which include such things as low- or no-interest loans and fee-free accounts. Ontario credit unions surveyed also actively support volunteerism in their organizations: employees at four in 10 credit unions surveyed participated in community activities or organizations as part of their paid work, while 55 per cent volunteered during their time off. The Ipsos-Reid poll was conducted from March 31 to June 16, 2003, by way of a self-administered or online questionnaire sent to 200 credit union executives. A total of 85 Ontario credit unions responded. Almost 1.4 million Ontario residents belong to credit unions. Metro Credit Union, with $465 million in assets, serves 42,000 members through a network of 10 branches located throughout the Greater Toronto Area. -30- For more information, please contact:
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