WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Credit unions across the country used yesterday’s Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday to kick off International Credit Union Week with a host of activities.
Similarly, credit unions around the world also are celebrating the week in numerous different ways, culminating on Thursday, Oct. 16, which is International Credit Union Day. The CU Daily will be marking International CU Day with a very unique project from around the world.
The theme for this year is “Cooperation for a Prosperous World,” with the World Council of Credit Unions saying the theme is meant to celebrate the global credit union movement’s commitment to empowering individuals and building stronger communities.
Piedmont Advantage Staff Volunteer in Community
In North Carolina, for example, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union employees participated in “Simply Service Day,” an annual tradition since 2021 that turns a federal holiday into a celebration of purpose, belonging and community.
“Simply Service Day reflects our purpose statement and brand promise: ‘More Than Banking. It’s Belonging’,” PACU President & CEO Dion Williams said in a statement. “Belonging means being present for our members and communities, shoulder-to-shoulder with our neighbors and lending a hand where it’s needed most.”
This year, PACU said it volunteered with 10 organizations: City Lights Ministry in Winston-Salem, Good Shepherd in Wilmington, Goodwill in Greensboro, Help Inc. in Eden, Hope of Mooresville, Hospitality House in Charlotte, Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem, Samaritan Ministries in Winston-Salem, Second Harvest Food Bank in Winston-Salem and Storehouse for Jesus in Mocksville.
“These volunteer experiences strengthen how we serve our members daily,” Assistant Vice President of Organizational Development Jean Golden-Rumer said in a statement. “When employees see families’ challenges firsthand, it deepens our empathy and reinforces our commitment to financial solutions that truly make a difference.”
As reported here, credit unions in Minnesota used the Monday holiday to volunteer on numerous projects as part of “CU Forward Day,” which the Minnesota CU Network said is done to celebrate the cooperative principle “Concern for Community.’
Also this Week
In Wellsville, N.Y., Alco Federal Credit Union said on Thursday it will mark International Credit Union Day by inviting its members and the entire community to enjoy free food from the Dog Doctors food truck from 10:30 am to 1 pm at its office.
Week-Long Celebration in the Grand Canyon State
In Arizona, Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) said it will be joining credit unions across the Grand Canyon State to celebrate the third annual Arizona Credit Union Week (AZCUWEEK), which is a statewide recognition of the positive impact credit unions make in their communities.
From October 13–17, which is International Credit Union Week, with International Credit Union Day on Oct. 16, TFCU team members will host and participate in activities that highlight community service, financial education, and the people-first values that set credit unions apart.
“Arizona Credit Union Week is about more than celebration—it’s a chance to show how cooperation delivers real benefits for Southern Arizona families,” TFCU CEO Matthew Gaspari said in a statement. “Whether we’re volunteering, teaching money skills to the next generation, or paying it forward in our neighborhoods, TFCU remains committed to putting people over profit.”
What’s Planned
The credit union said the week’s activities will include:
Monday, October 13 – Community Awareness
TFCU will kick off the week with an internal, all-team session focused on service, member experience, and our role as a locally rooted financial partner.
Tuesday, October 14 – Pay-It-Forward Day
TFCU employees will “surprise and delight” neighbors by covering small purchases at local restaurants and shops near our branches—bringing the cooperative principle of people helping people to life.
Wednesday, October 15 – Volunteer Day
Teams of TFCU volunteers will support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona from 8:30–11:30 a.m., helping provide meals to families across the region.
Thursday, October 16 – International Credit Union Day & Social Collaboration
Joining credit unions statewide, TFCU will celebrate 77 years of International Credit Union Day with collaborative Reels and social posts that showcase the strength of unity across Arizona.
Friday, October 17 – Financial Football (Phoenix)
TFCU will participate in Financial Football, an engaging financial-education event that pairs smart money lessons with the excitement of the game, featuring a player from the Arizona Cardinals.
California Celebrations
In partnership with California’s Credit Unions, several local credit unions are hosting celebrations to showcase the effects of credit unions, including:
- California Credit Union, San Diego
- Chaffey FCU, Rancho Cucamonga
- Golden 1, Sacramento
- Kinecta FCU, El Segundo/Manhattan Beach
- Mocse Credit Union, Modesto
- Pacific Service Credit Union, Concord
- SchoolsFirst FCU, Tustin
- Valley First Credit Union, Fresno
- Wescom Financial, Pasadena
About International CU Day
The theme for this year is “Cooperation for a Prosperous World,” with the World Council of Credit Unions saying the theme is meant to celebrate the global credit union movement’s commitment to empowering individuals and building stronger communities.
ICU Day was first celebrated in 1948. Today, there are more than 74,000 credit unions around the world.
