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.

 

February 14, 2022 - YNCU has joined Sustainable Waterloo Region's (SWR) Regional Sustainability Initiative as an Observing Organization. As a member, YNCU gains access to an extensive member network of organizations that share and learn sustainability best practices.

 

February 14, 2022 - YNCU has joined Sustainable Waterloo Region's (SWR) Regional Sustainability Initiative as an Observing Organization. As a member, YNCU gains access to an extensive member network of organizations that share and learn sustainability best practices.

 

January 18, 2022 — YNCU is pleased to announce the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility for its Stratford branch. Located in the west end of Stratford, the new branch offers more services, more advisors and better solutions to Stratford and the surrounding area.

December 13, 2021 — With the holiday season in full swing, YNCU is excited to support Big Lake Cabin and Grocer 4 Good in the 2021 “Dinner is for Everyone” initiative through Shop Your Neighbourhood. “Dinner is for Everyone,” now in its third year, is aimed at providing free dinner to those in need during the holiday season.

December 8, 2021 - In an effort to combat skyrocketing shipping costs for small business owners in Ontario, YNCU is covering shipping for five days on holiday purchases made with selected small businesses across Canada.

November 3, 2021 - YNCU unveils a photo collage at its Charlotte Street branch in Brantford, showcasing the community’s rich history and deep-knit relationships over the years. Featured on the wall inside the local YNCU branch are 55 historic photos of the city over the years.

September 22, 2021 - YNCU is excited to announce its Shop Your Neighbourhood platform has received the 2021 National Credit Union Innovation Award. This was recently disclosed by the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA), as part of its 2021 National Credit Union Awards.

September 15, 2021 - YNCU is excited to announce the redevelopment of its Uptown Waterloo Branch. The credit union is temporarily relocating its operations to 8 William St. East, the building formerly housing Marbles, one of the longest-running restaurants in Waterloo.

August 31, 2021 - Three Members of YNCU receive a total of $3,000 from the CU Succeed Youth Bursary to support their academic pursuits for the next school year. The CU Succeed Youth Bursary is part of OCUF's efforts to cushion the pandemic-induced pressures that youth and their families have experienced over the last year.

June 21, 2021 — Globally, many businesses have experienced a drop in Revenue as a result of covid-19, creating gaps in the economies of various countries, including Canada. As small businesses make up 98% of all employer businesses, they remain a large and important sector of the Canadian economy.

May 28, 2021 — Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU), a Kitchener-based organization with a sustained commitment to positive business development, economic growth and community giving, is excited to announce its Cambridge branch has been named the recipient of the Chair’s Award presented by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. The annual awards program hosted by the Chamber recognizes local organizations committed to excellence and innovation within the community.

May 14, 2021— The Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) has named Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) the winner of the 2021 Outstanding Corporate Achievement Award. Announced at the OCUF annual general meeting on May 13, 2021, the annual award recognizes the winning organization’s outstanding commitment to community.

May 5, 2021 - Knowing the pandemic has impacted the charitable sector across Ontario, Your Neighborhood 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.

April 14, 2021 - YNCU partners with Women Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) on its Young Women in Leadership, Employment and Development (LEAD) program. Secures $1.3M grant to improve skills training.

March 8, 2021 - Your Neighborhood Credit Union is celebrating International Women’s Day by announcing the appointment of Lara Stilin as YNCU’s Chief Financial Officer as of January 18, 2021. Stilin, 32, is the youngest individual to hold the position of CFO in the history of the credit union.

November 30, 2020 - YNCU has launched ShopYourNeighbourhood.com - a new virtual neighbourhood to support local businesses.

November 12, 2020 - From November 16 to December 18, Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) will launch the ‘She is Your Neighbour’ Holiday Campaign. The four-week campaign will ask the community to donate grocery gift cards in support of Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. Gift cards of $25 or more will be matched by YNCU with a $10 donation when dropped off at a participating YNCU branch.

November 12, 2020 - From November 16 to December 18, Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) and Home Group Realty will launch the ‘She is Your Neighbour’ Holiday Campaign. The four-week campaign will ask the community to donate grocery gift cards to support Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. Gift cards of $25 or more will be matched by YNCU with a $10 donation when dropped off at a participating YNCU branch.

July 31, 2019 - YNCU and the London Police Service Police Pals are comforting children in a time of crisis.

May 17, 2018 - Since the 1940s Your Neighbourhood Credit Union has supported education and educators. That is why it is no surprise that they have generously funded a new scholarship benefitting students at the University of Waterloo in the Faculty of Arts.

May 17, 2018 - New partnerships with Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) and the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF) are helping to expand the City of Kitchener’s Neighbourhood Matching Grant – which funds resident-led, city supported projects that renew public places and bring neighbours together – to $85,000 per year for the next 2 years.

May 3, 2018 - Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) was recognized with 6 national marketing awards during the annual CCUA Conference – Marketing Association for Credit Unions’ (MACU) Strategic Marketing Conference in Toronto on Monday, April, 30th. Download details.

April 23, 2019 - YNCU has launched an innovative new brand this April which aims to change the face of local banking in Ontario. With a nod to the neighbourhood in the new logo and a commitment to helping members grow and succeed, the new brand for YNCU and Community First, a division of YNCU is bringing real solutions for real life to Ontarians and breaking out of the mould of what’s expected in banking.

April 25, 2018 - Your Neighbourhood Credit Union announced its 2017 financial results at its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, April 24th, 2018. Read full press release.

April 18, 2019 - The Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU) Annual General Meeting, including Community First, a division of YNCU, brought together 223 members and guests on April 16th. At the meeting, with Kitchener and Sault Ste. Marie connected via video link, the Credit Union reported strong financial results, welcomed a new Board member, and unveiled an exciting new brand.

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
Sault Online
Sault This Week
CTV News Northern Ontario
yahoo!sports
CBC News
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.

Wealth Professional

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.

CTV News
SooToday
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.

CityNews

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.

SooToday 

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.

Stratford Times

"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."

Wealth Professional

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

Listen here

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

Listen here

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'.

SooToday 

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

Listen here

“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.

Sault Online

“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 Beacon Herald 

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

570 News Interview

“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.”

The Beacon Herald 

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:

Sault Online

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.

Click here to listen.

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:

SooToday

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:
SooToday.com
SaultOnline
Sault This Week
The Sault Star