International CU Week is Underway: Here’s Some of What is Planned

MADISON, Wis.–It’s International Credit Union Week, and credit unions around the world have numerous activities and community giveback planned. Thursday is International Credit Union Day, on which The CU Daily will be unveiling a very special and unique global video.

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 and other cooperative financial institutions across 104 countries serving more than 411 million members worldwide.

Here is some of what is planned in the U.S. for today and this week:

CU Forward Day in Minnesota

In Minnesota today, credit union employees from across the state will be using the 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.’

According to the MnCUN, in 2024:

• 58 credit unions and partners participated
• 4,125 people volunteered their time
• A total 18,865 hours of volunteerism were shared
• $79,676 was donated
• 2,000 community organizations were affected

Individually, more  than 600 employees from Affinity Plus FCU alone took part in “Plus It Forward Day,” engaging in various community projects.

Numerous other credit unions were also involved in projects ranging from creating tie blankets for organizations like Beds For Kids, making fleece pet toys for local humane societies, working to install clean water and supporting local nonprofits, and more. 

More information on last year’s activities, including a video, can be found here. 

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

10 Days Promotion in Wisconsin

In Eau Claire, Wis., Royal Credit Union is inviting mMembers and non-members to visit any of its offices between Oct. 10 and Oct. 20 to enter to win a gift basket featuring a custom ICU Day puzzle, neck pillow, and various travel essentials. Free coloring pages will also be available in all offices during the giveaway period in celebration of ICU Day.