KITCHENER, ON | October 7, 2024 - YNCU is proud to announce the return of its Thanksgiving Food Drive for the second year in a row. This year, YNCU is expanding its reach to include a wider network of its branches aiming to support food banks and charitable organizations across Ontario during the Thanksgiving season. With 12 food drives scheduled across YNCU locations in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, this initiative will help to ensure that more families in need have access to food during the holiday period.

Waterloo, ON | Monday, August 12, 2024 - YNCU is excited to announce the appointment of Lisa Colangelo as Chief Executive Officer effective September 9, 2024. With a deep-rooted understanding of the financial services sector and a strong commitment to the community, Lisa is poised to advance YNCU’s mission to deliver exceptional financial performance while making a positive difference in the communities it serves.

Waterloo, ON | Monday, July 22, 2024 - YNCU is making newcomers' new chapter in
Canada a smooth transition with its Home Suite Home Newcomer Bundle. This bundle offers a
comprehensive suite of products and services that can be customized to meet each individual's
unique situation

Kitchener, ON | Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - YNCU is excited to announce the launch of its Class A Investment Shares, offering valued members a unique opportunity to invest in their financial futures while supporting the growth and stability of the credit union and local communities. Class A Investment Shares provide diversified solutions for members, presenting an exclusive investment opportunity with a premium floating rate of return.

Kitchener, ON | Thursday, May 16, 2024 - YNCU’s Director of Marketing, Kirstin Dias, has been honoured with a National Young Leader Award by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). The award recognizes exceptional young leaders within Canada’s credit union system who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to credit union values.

WATERLOO, ON | Monday, April 29, 2024 - YNCU is excited to announce it has been named “Partner of the Year” by Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR), a social enterprise non-profit committed to making Waterloo a more resilient, environmentally-friendly community. 

WATERLOO, ON | Thursday, April 18, 2024 - YNCU, one of Ontario’s largest credit unions with
17 locations across Ontario, reported strong financial results in 2023 and a new company vision at
its Annual General Meeting on April 16. 

Kitchener, ON | March 6, 2024 - YNCU, in collaboration with the Ontario Hockey Federation
(OHF), is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership that extends the Motivate 2 Skate
initiative to benefit the young participants of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region
Program.

Waterloo, Ontario | Feb. 21, 2024 – YNCU is proud to announce its participation in the
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) campaign, a nationwide fundraising event to support over 190
local charities that are addressing hunger, hurt, and homelessness.

Waterloo, ON | Feb. 5, 2024 – YNCU, a leading institution committed to promoting financial literacy, is proud to announce its new program, YNCUniversity, to provide accessible, inclusive, and effective financial education workshops to communities across Ontario. 

YNCUniversity's workshops are designed to be accessible to all, delivered in plain language, and
free from any ties to specific products or services

Kitchener, ON | January 19, 2024 - Gord Harrison, YNCU’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
and valued member of the YNCU community has officially announced his intent to retire after 40
years of exemplary service to the organization.

He will continue to serve as CEO until a successor has been identified and appointed.

November 6, 2023 - YNCU is pleased to offer a new banking solution that will help community co-ops and non-profit organizations meet their financial goals.

The Co-operative Benefit Account is a new initiative between YNCU and the Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Federation (COCHF). It will be available to COCHF member co-ops, community organizations and not-for-profits.

September 12, 2023 - YNCU has partnered with sustainability solutions provider Bullfrog Power to choose green energy for its head office location in Kitchener.

The project was spearheaded by Steve Baker, the Director of Facilities for YNCU. Baker joined the credit union in 2019 as Facilities Manager and moved into his current role in 2022. He’s passionate about guiding YNCU’s journey to environmental sustainability. He was also a finalist for the Canadian Credit Union Association’s Young Leader Award in 2023 for his work promoting sustainability through YNCU’s Green Team.

August 1, 2023 - YNCU branches in Waterloo region are partnering with Community Support Connections to teach seniors how to use tablets and smart devices.

YNCU donated $10,000 to Community Support Connections for the purchase of tablets on loan. As the program is ongoing, volunteers from YNCU branches in Waterloo region will be visiting the homes of seniors to help teach them how to use the devices. 

June 26, 2023 - YNCU celebrated moving into a new branch in Stratford today.

The new branch, located at 603 Huron St., Unit 3, means YNCU will be able to better serve its members. Location upgrades include electric vehicle charging stations, and state of the art banking technology. 

June 19, 2023 - YNCU is pleased to announce it has received B Corporation (B Corp) certification from B Lab, a global organization recognizing businesses for their commitment to social, environmental and governance best practices.

In order to receive a B Corp certification, YNCU underwent a rigorous review process assessing governance, workers, community involvement, environmental impact, customer service, and more. B Corp then assigns an overall B Impact Assessment score. Companies must receive a score of 80 or higher to be certified. 

June 9, 2023 - YNCU is challenging its staff to go the distance this summer, collectively travelling between each branch in Ontario.

The Going the Distance challenge will help raise funds for initiatives across Ontario, while encouraging YNCU staff to get out and get active throughout the summer months. The challenge runs from June to August.

May 10, 2023 - Ontario residents looking to get rid of used or unwanted batteries can now drop them off at YNCU branches free of charge.

YNCU has joined thousands of other companies and retailers across the province helping people get rid of their unwanted batteries. Community members don’t need to be members to take advantage of the program–battery recycling is available to everyone.

June 9, 2023 - YNCU is challenging its staff to go the distance this summer, collectively travelling between each branch in Ontario.

The Going the Distance challenge will help raise funds for initiatives across Ontario, while encouraging YNCU staff to get out and get active throughout the summer months. The challenge runs from June to August.

April 18, 2023 - The newly launched GIC donates .10 percent of investment earnings back into Habitat for Humanity chapters in YNCU communities. YNCU will match all donations. This means that $2 from every $1,000 invested in a Neighbourhood Builder GIC will go towards Habitat for Humanity chapters in Waterloo region, Windsor-Essex, Sault Ste. Marie, Guelph-Wellington and Heartland Ontario.

September 27, 2022 - Moving to the new Windsor branch, located at 650 Division Road, Unit 403, means YNCU will be able to better serve its members. Location upgrades include cash and teller services, which weren’t available at the previous branch.

September 6, 2022 - Sault Ste. Marie business Ontario Wild has been chosen as the first business to receive a month of reimbursed shipping costs from YNCU’s Shop Your Neighbourhood program.

August 15, 2022 - Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU), with local branches in Stratford and Mitchell, is the latest employer to certify as a living wage employer.

July 18, 2022 - Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) was recently recognized as a certified Living Wage Employer, and is now encouraging other Ontario businesses to follow its example.

May 25, 2022 - Based on community nominations and votes, YNCU is proud to thank the classrooms and schools who continued to prioritize students during the pandemic with the YNCU Teach grant.

Kitchener.CTVnews.ca

Sootoday.com

CUManagement.com

Hamilton The Spec

Understanding your finances is key to feeling in control of your money, but many Canadians have little to no comprehension of their financial situation.

Hamilton The Spec

Some international students and newcomers to Canada are getting a true Canadian experience.

They’re learning how to ice skate thanks to Motivate 2 Skate, a free program hosted by Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU).

CTV News London

Aaron Gavey — a former Soo Greyhound who went on to play for several NHL teams — believes in giving back. Gavey, who retired from hockey in 2007, lives in the Sault and is enjoying life after working for Sun Life Financial and AIM Recycling.

Over the course of six sessions this fall, Gavey is volunteering his time with YNCU staff to teach newcomers to Sault Ste. Marie how to skate in the financial institution’s second annual Motivate 2 Skate program.

SooToday 

Neha Gurung, an international student at Fanshawe College, was nervous tying up her skates for the first time on Friday, but her anxiety eased as she hit the ice.

She took up skating as part of a new program at StarTech.com Community Centre, formerly known as Bostwick, in London, Ont. teaching newcomers and international students how to skate in four one-hour sessions.

CBC News

For the third week of YNCU's Motivate 2 Skate program in Sault Ste Marie, organizers brought out some special guests – Mayor Matthew Shoemaker and former NHL player Aaron Gavey.

CTV News Northern Ontario 

It’s no secret the past few years have been difficult on people’s finances. Our economy suffered at the start of the pandemic, and we’re now grappling with what it means to move through post-pandemic recovery.

Op-ed | Financial Literacy and Mental Health

Newcomers looking to learn Canada's signature winter pastime, ice skating, aren't getting left out in the cold thanks to YNCU. 

The London Free Press

The food drive will be held Friday October 6th between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. outside Pino's Get Fresh. All donations will go to St. Vincent Place.

The Sault Star

Done with your skates and helmets? YNCU collection drive at Station Mall takes place Thursday September 28th from noon to 7 p.m.

Sault Today

Wealth Your Way's Lucas Cerqueira interview regarding back to school budgeting and registered education savings plans

CTV News Kitchener

As YNCU prepares for the return of Motivate 2 Skate, they are calling on community support to help them make the event a success this year and for many years to come. Starting August 28, branches in Sault Ste. Marie, London, Cambridge, Kitchener/Waterloo, and Mitchell will be collecting gently used skates and helmets, which will be used for Motivate 2 Skate participants this year. 

Timmins Today

Cambridge Today

Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) branches in the region partnered with Community Support Connections (CSC) to teach some tech to people without having to leave their couch.

CTV News Kitchener

YNCU Wealth's Kim Boudreau interview regarding staying on budget in the summer

CTV News Kitchener

Summer Moon Festival returns to Sault Ste. Marie Thursday to Saturday, brining together artists and musicians to celbrate their craft and engage with the community.

Northern News

YNCU focusing on flexiible banking options for its members and the community.

Business View Article

Residents looking to get rid of used or unwanted batteries can no drop them off at YNCU branches free of charge

Sault This Week

YNCU GIC plan aids Habitat for Humanity

Sault This Week

YNCU Wealth's Kim Boudreau interview.

CTV News Kitchener

YNCU Wealth's Kim Boudreau provides her holiday budgeting tips.

CTV News Kitchener

The Motivate 2 Skate program provides international students in Sault Ste. Marie and Cambridge a judgement free opportunity to learn a classic winter activity from experienced instructors.

SooToday
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CTV News Kitchener

YNCUTeach program grants $5,000 to Queen Elizabeth Public School and $1,000 to grade 4 teacher, Melissa Euale, of F.H. Clergue French Immersion in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Sault Star

While most clients start thinking about Registered Retirement Savings Plans early in the new year, credit unions are keeping retirement top of mind. YNCU's Muhammad Syed discusses the importance of raising awareness early to ensure our members are prepared.

With housing prices falling in Waterloo Region, the market is starting to see more home buyers looking for their first home. YNCU's Chief Lending Officer, Marc Rivard, offers his advice for new home buyers entering the housing market.

CityNews Kitchener

Inflation is making school education-related costs more expensive than ever. YNCU's Aimee Wagner discusses the rising costs Canadian students are facing and how advisors can help families better prepare.

Wealth Professional

The Summer Moon Festival in Sault Ste. Marie is underway, as are some public art displays that decorate parts of the downtown. Artists from the Sault and beyond have been hard at work on a series of giant murals.

Jean Paul Langlois, a Metis artist based in Vancouver, has been working under the hot sun on a mural for the local Elk's Lodge.

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Sault Online

Neighbour’s Day festivities got underway in Victoria Park with headline performances from Virginia to Vegas and Delaney Jane as well as special guests Reve and Amanda Kind. A lemonade stand was also set up at the event by YNCU in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo-Wellington.

CTV News

As life circumstances change and grow, many women find themselves in positions of financial independence for the first time later in their lives. YNCU Wealth's Kim Boudreau discusses how women can empower themselves by taking control of their finances. 

Sault Online

King Edward Public School will receive a $5,000 YNCU Teach Grant to help make sure field trips and other activities are accessible to all students. It will also help fund support programs for students and their families and alleviate the burden of fundraising on the community.

Celebrated every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect and celebrate the incredible power, strength, and many achievements of women throughout history and around the world. It’s also a time to recognize the work that still needs to be done.  YNCU Wealth's Kim Boudreau discusses what needs to be done to get women on a level playing field with money.

To better support the communities it serves more thoroughly and effectively in 2022 and beyond, YNCU is delivering all services under one brand.

With online help from local credit union YNCU, Sault restaurant Big Lake Cabin, along with Grocer 4 Good, a local non-profit which operates on a small retail grocery store model and offers skills development, job training and healthy food preparation, will prepare and deliver Christmas dinners for those who need a lift at this time of year.

The CYP program – something for Chamber members between 22-40 years old -- gave young professionals the chance to gather and network with one another. YNCU believes the program helps fill a distinct need in the community and we were more than happy to help facilitate that.

"The pandemic has accelerated changes in some market niches and advisors need to provide clients with deeper listening and empathy to understand where each is coming from before offering advice. That's the view of Aimee Wagner, an advisor who is now Vice-President of Member Services of Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) in Kitchener, Ontario, after its latest outreach."

Our Chief Information Officer, Russ Voutour, spoke about the recent rise in scams and how fraudsters are going after your money.

Our Marketing Coordinator, Shaylan Spurway, chatted with Country 104.3 about the Shop Your Neighbourhood program and our commitment to all things local!

Kirstin Dias, Marketing Director at YNCU, uses C is for Camp: An Alphabet Adventure to pay homage to the great outdoors in northern Ontario. Follow two adorable bears through the alphabet as they experience a few days at camp this summer.

Read more about her recently released children's book, 'C is for Camp'.

Listen to Jessica Sproat, Marketing and Events Specialist, discuss our commitment to local with Shop Your Neighbourhood and the SYN Summer Box.

“The pandemic has changed personal finance, and there are habits we should keep.” Opinion Editorial column by Kim Boudreau Certified Financial Planner, Senior Investment Advisor with Community First Wealth Management, a division of Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) and Credential Securities.

“Small business owners have been one of the hardest-hit populations by the effects of the pandemic,” said Archie Bonifacio, the credit union’s Chief Member Experience Officer. “As an organization, we continue to seek ways to provide relief to individuals and businesses in the locations where we operate. We believe that we are only successful when the individuals and businesses we serve are too.”

The Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) has named Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) the winner of the 2021 Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award.

“The Shakespeare Firefighter’s Association does so much for our community on a volunteer basis,” said Tanya Drouillard, manager of member services at the credit union’s Stratford branch. “We hope our contribution will encourage other businesses in the community to donate, as the equipment will not only help to keep them safe, but also increase the likelihood of survival and long-term recovery for those in need.”

Knowing the pandemic has impacted the charitable sector across Ontario, Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) is donating $18K to their neighbours in need. The announcement was made at YNCU’s recent annual general meeting, where leadership noted the organization’s strong performance over the past year and optimism for the year ahead. To read more about the donations, check out these articles:

YNCU’s Director, Member Experience Matt Lukas, chats on the Sprout & Harvest’s Growing Credit Unions Podcast about how online appointment booking is now essential technology.

Moffatt is a professional multimedia designer, currently employed with Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU). She has released her first album, entitled In Colour, consisting of original instrumentals.

To read more about her musical journey, check out these articles:

Lara Stilin is a role model for women and young professionals.

At 33, the Sault Ste. Marie native is a chartered accountant and financial expert, the youngest person to be named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Your Neighborhood Credit Union (YNCU), of which the city’s two Community First credit union branches are a part. 

To read more check out these articles:
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Sault This Week
The Sault Star