Mennonite Savings and Credit Union (MSCU) was recognized April 11 with the 2013 Corporate Award for Outstanding Charitable Achievement from the Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation (OCUCF).
The award is presented annually to an Ontario credit union or company within the co-operative financial system in recognition of a community contribution considered to be above average or beyond normal expectations.
MSCU was recognized for the growth of the Stewardship in Action program over the last four years.
“We’ve intentionally grown the Stewardship in Action program as a tangible way to advance peace, social justice, and mutual aid in our communities,” stated Brent Zorgdrager, MSCU chief executive officer. “We’re delighted to be recognized for this work, particularly by our peers in the credit union system. The support of our members and community partners is crucial to achieving lasting impact.”
Benjamin Janzen, stewardship in action advisor, accepted the award at the OCUCF annual meeting on April 11 and noted the amount of dollars flowing into the community has grown by 22 per cent annually over the last four years. Over 200 churches and charitable organizations now receive support each year. The program has also fostered three significant partnerships during this time: a $500,000 commitment to Mennonite Central Committee Ontario to build a new home for several Anabaptist organizations; a $1 million gift to establish the Mennonite Savings and Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at Conrad Grebel University College; and a new partnership with MEDA to support international development through their Farmer to Farmer program.
“We were very excited to be able to recognize MSCU’s efforts,” said Tony Niessen, OCUCF executive director. “MSCU has done a wonderful job at building a unique program. This is a story that needed to be heard by our larger credit union community.”
