Credit Union Leagues Helping to Create Miracles

The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagueswith support from CO-OP Financial Servicesis encouraging California and Nevada credit unions to celebrate this years International Credit Union Day (October 17) by helping CU4Kids create miracles.

Each time members use their check card or credit card on October 17, participating credit unions will donate 25 cents or any self-determined amount to Credit Unions for Kids, the nationwide alliance of credit unions supporting Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals. Funds will benefit local hospitals belonging to Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals. "Donations from credit unions will help treat kids who need the most care, as well as raise awareness of credit unions and our tradition of community service," said Leagues President and CEO Diana Dykstra. "This statewide initiative is an outgrowth of a 2012 program launched by four California credit unionsCalifornia Credit Union, Xceed Financial Credit Union, SkyOne Federal Credit Union, and Wescom Credit Union." Credit unions that participate in the event may be eligible for a CO-OP Miracle Match from the Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.-based CO-OP Financial Services, depending on their level of CO-OP relationship. Launched in 2008, CO-OP Miracle Match is a $1-million philanthropic matching program that encourages credit unions, chapters and leagues to create and participate in local CMNH fundraisers. All matching funds go directly to the local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, benefiting sick children in the local community. Credit unions must submit an application for the match by September 30 at www.co-opfs.org/miracle-match. "We offer CO-OP Miracle Match grants on behalf of our 3,500 client credit unions," said Stan Hollen, president and CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. "The program has led to more than $3 million being raised in both 2011 and 2012 by credit unions and CO-OP combined. We hope many California and Nevada credit unions will get involved on the day when the work of the entire credit union movement is celebrated." The Leagues will provide various resources credit unions can download and use to reach out to their membership, including posters and statement stuffers, at http://www.ccul.org/icuday4kids/. For more information, contact Leagues Consumer Advocacy Manager Tena Lozano at tenal@ccul.org, or by phone at 909.212.6057.