On Thursday, October 15, we observed the 72nd anniversary of International Credit Union Day by celebrating the theme - "Inspiring hope for a global community." And since the COVID-19 pandemic began earlier this year, we've seen examples from six continents of how credit unions have done just that, by stepping up to help members, employees and communities overcome this crisis. But many people still hadn't heard these stories—and certainly did not know this type of response from credit unions was so widespread.

That is why World Council of Credit Unions asked credit unions across the globe to share these stories on International Credit Union Day, by recording a short video explaining how they are “inspiring hope for a global community” during this pandemic.

And, wow, did they respond.

More than 100 credit unions and affiliated organizations from every corner of the world bombarded social media with their stories throughout the day.

Westforce Credit Union in New Zealand had employees show off some hip-hop skills and dance moves to introduce their Instagram video , which explained how they kept members safe at their branches through the use of personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer. They also showed how they helped their community by volunteering at a food kitchen.

Dundalk Credit Union in Ireland showed [11] how its COVID-19 Response Fund has supported local community organizations that deliver lifesaving blood and medical supplies, meals to seniors and masks to those in need.

Sicredi, the largest credit union system in Brazil, saw member institutions produce fun videos showing the differences between credit unions and banks—and others [13] that explained how their cooperative structure allows them to do more for their members and communities.

Dozens of credit unions in the United States also took part in the celebration.

A Fond du Lac Credit Union employee explained how she and her colleagues worked with their members in Wisconsin remotely during the early stages of the pandemic—to ensure they could access their finances, giving them peace of mind. Chartway Federal Credit Union's CEO explained how his employees practiced "service from the heart" for their members in coastal Virginia. And TruMark Financial Credit Union shared how they helped first responders, restaurants and others in the Pennsylvania communities they serve.

Even one of World Council's project development teams pitched in to help the effort. Our Credit for Agriculture Producers' Project staff in Ukraine created a video on "Seven Myths About Credit Unions."

To say the response from the global credit union community was overwhelming would be an understatement. It not only shows how much credit unions have been there for their members and communities throughout this pandemic, but how proud they are to carry out the credit union philosophy of putting people over profits.

We also thank our Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions , Credit Union National Association , the National Credit Union Foundation
and PSCU for helping us promote the online festivities.