2005 Co-operative Youth Mentorship Award - St. Willibrord Community Credit Union

St. Willibrord Credit Union knows that forming a bond with their youth members is good business. The relationship that develops often has long-term benefits. But not always ones that appear on a balance sheet. By supporting youth development initiatives such as the Co-operative Young Leaders (CYL) program and youth-oriented savings and education seminars St. Willibrord takes an active role in fostering youth empowerment. Were a community credit union, so it only makes sense that we get involved.

The credit unions commitment and achievements in mentoring youth and supporting their successes were recognized when St. Willibrord received the Ontario co-op sectors Co-operative Youth Mentorship Award. The award was presented to Board Chair Tony Strybosch during the 7th Annual Spirit Recognition Ceremony, held in Burlington, ON.

St Willibrord was the first credit union in Ontario to become part of the CYL program, and has sponsored over 250 youth to this unique leadership, communication and co-op skills development camp experience. In fact, in 2005, the credit union sent a record 39 participants. The credit union has committed to supporting youth financially, and through youth programs such as Adventures with FatCat, Student Services and CYL.

It all began when St. Willibrord sponsored me to attend the Junior session of the Co-operative Young Leaders program. Although I had more-or-less grown up surrounded by co-ops and credit unions, I had never realized their significance until I went to CYL. During my time as a St. Willibrord employee, they continued to support my personal development and that of other young people, by allowing me to take time off to facilitate at CYL and to sit on the CYL Curriculum Review Committee.
Sarah Groot, St. Willibrord member, former CYL participant and former summer student

Youth interest in co-operatives, and particularly with St. Willibrord Credit Union continues to grow. The long term benefits of youth mentorship create a loyalty between St. Willibrord and its members that makes perfect business sense.

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