newsletter€¦ · web: email: [email protected] you should know ccu news our community message...

Web: www.communitycu.ie Email: [email protected]

You Should Know

CCU News

Our Community

Message from Our President

Competition

In Focus

NEWSLETTERCCU Connect Issue 5 Summer 2012

Summertime is with us again although, on some days, we might think that it is still winter! Nonetheless, the longer days cheer everyone up as do thoughts of holidays. In your Credit Union, we have a lot to be cheerful about as we move into the final quarter of our (financial) year. We have made huge progress on strengthening our financial position, have rolled out some of the new planned services and welcomed the recent report of the Credit Union Commission, which has set out a strategy to guide the movement into the next period of its development.

Financial PositionLast year was very difficult as we had to deal with increasing loan arrears and losses on investments resulting from a change in government policy to assist the banks. Consequently we reported a deficit €1.1m. Our objective this year was to ensure that we generated a substantial surplus to restore our financial reserves and we knew that we needed everyone’s support to achieve this. An increase in loan interest rates, a step back in insurance benefits and a contribution from staff were all identified as being essential to our plan and everyone has responded magnificently. These changes, together with other costs savings that we have implemented, have meant that we are looking at a positive financial performance this year.

New ServicesTwo significant service improvements have been introduced in recent months.

Electronic Credit TransfersThis service allows us to transfer funds directly from our bank account to a member’s bank account (or another bank account within Ireland) within 2 days. This means that members do not have to either take money out in cash, which could be a security risk to them, or as a cheque, which they then have to take to their bank and wait up to 5 days for access to their money. It is quick and convenient and is proving to be a great success so far.

Inbound Debit CardsDebit cards offer great advantages when making payments being both safer and more convenient. Members now have the option of using their debit card to make payments either in our offices, or over the telephone. (Please note that for additional security, certain restrictions apply to telephone payments.)

The Credit Union CommissionRecently a group set up by the Minister for Finance to examine the Credit Union movement, and make recommendations for the future, issued their final report. It was very positive and they recognised the special place which Credit Unions have in our financial system, providing services on a co-operative basis for our members. Other aspects such as democratic control, not for profit ethos and volunteer input were also noted and they are recommending that all of the great aspects of Credit Unions are preserved for members.

Some areas where improvement could be made were also reported and new legislation is expected this year, which will set very high standards to which all Credit Unions must adhere to. This is likely to mean that many Credit Unions will merge, or form alliances with other Credit Unions.

Having successfully completed our merger in 2010, we are currently preparing a new strategic development plan to guide us over the next 3 years, which is likely to be both exciting and challenging. Our goal, as always, will be to continue to provide top quality services to members, great value loans and strong returns for savers. There will be a lot to do but – working together – we can achieve this.


Stephen Harrison, President



You Should Know

CCU News

Our Community


Competition

In Focus

NEWSLETTERCCU Connect Issue 5 Summer 2012

Summertime is with us again although, on some days, we might think that it is still winter! Nonetheless, the longer days cheer everyone up as do thoughts of holidays. In your Credit Union, we have a lot to be cheerful about as we move into the final quarter of our (financial) year. We have made huge progress on strengthening our financial position, have rolled out some of the new planned services and welcomed the recent report of the Credit Union Commission, which has set out a strategy to guide the movement into the next period of its development.

Financial PositionLast year was very difficult as we had to deal with increasing loan arrears and losses on investments resulting from a change in government policy to assist the banks. Consequently we reported a deficit €1.1m. Our objective this year was to ensure that we generated a substantial surplus to restore our financial reserves and we knew that we needed everyone’s support to achieve this. An increase in loan interest rates, a step back in insurance benefits and a contribution from staff were all identified as being essential to our plan and everyone has responded magnificently. These changes, together with other costs savings that we have implemented, have meant that we are looking at a positive financial performance this year.

New ServicesTwo significant service improvements have been introduced in recent months.

Electronic Credit TransfersThis service allows us to transfer funds directly from our bank account to a member’s bank account (or another bank account within Ireland) within 2 days. This means that members do not have to either take money out in cash, which could be a security risk to them, or as a cheque, which they then have to take to their bank and wait up to 5 days for access to their money. It is quick and convenient and is proving to be a great success so far.

Inbound Debit CardsDebit cards offer great advantages when making payments being both safer and more convenient. Members now have the option of using their debit card to make payments either in our offices, or over the telephone. (Please note that for additional security, certain restrictions apply to telephone payments.)

The Credit Union CommissionRecently a group set up by the Minister for Finance to examine the Credit Union movement, and make recommendations for the future, issued their final report. It was very positive and they recognised the special place which Credit Unions have in our financial system, providing services on a co-operative basis for our members. Other aspects such as democratic control, not for profit ethos and volunteer input were also noted and they are recommending that all of the great aspects of Credit Unions are preserved for members.

Some areas where improvement could be made were also reported and new legislation is expected this year, which will set very high standards to which all Credit Unions must adhere to. This is likely to mean that many Credit Unions will merge, or form alliances with other Credit Unions.

Having successfully completed our merger in 2010, we are currently preparing a new strategic development plan to guide us over the next 3 years, which is likely to be both exciting and challenging. Our goal, as always, will be to continue to provide top quality services to members, great value loans and strong returns for savers. There will be a lot to do but – working together – we can achieve this.


Stephen Harrison, President


WE LOOK AT THINGS DIFFERENTLY

CCU News

Congratulations to the winners of our spring Prize Draw!Anne Byas – Navan RoadGeraldine Rogers – Park RoadAnn Rice – Riverston AbbeyMichael Jago – Castleknock

PRIZEDRAWWINNERS

If you would like to participate in the quarterly Prize Draw, please ask for the form in any of the offices or download it from the website www.communitycu.ie

The summer draw is taking place very soon – best of luck to everyone!

Staff News

We would like to congratulate Supervisor Marianne Kinirons who celebrated 25 years with us in April! Marianne started work in the Credit Union in 1987 and is a Supervisor for the last 16 years.

We would like to welcome David Hanley to our team. David has joined Community Credit Union as Head of our Credit Control Department. If you are experiencing financial problems or difficulties regarding your loan repayments, please contact Credit Control as soon as possible, you will be guaranteed a sympathetic hearing – 01 838 6406 or [email protected]

Our President Returns to Cape Town!Our President, Stephen Harrison, along with sons David and Cian, is returning to Cape Town next November as a volunteer to take part in a one-week Building Blitz. They will join 600 volunteers from Ireland who form part of the 2012 Niall Mellon Township Trust team.

This year, the Building Blitz is in the township of Masiphumelele. The name is a Xhosa word that translates to “we will succeed”. The name of the Project that Stephen will be working on is “Zwelitsha”, which translates to “New Beginnings”. The township is located 40km outside Cape Town. The Building Blitz forms a vital part of the Niall Mellon Township Trust income, which is generated by the volunteers each year and vital to the ongoing sustainability of the organisation and development programme in disadvantaged communities in South Africa. Without the support and effort of the volunteers the charity would simply not exist.

Stephen has established a donation page www.nmtownshiptrust.com/Fundraisers/www-nmtownshiptrust-com-fundraisers-steve-harrison. This page link is also listed in the News section of our website www.communitycu.ie

Stephen fully realises and appreciates that we are all experiencing hard and difficult economic times but without your support and the work of the volunteers from Ireland, many of the poorest in South Africa may spend their entire lives living in shacks.

For further information on the charity go to www.nmtownshiptrust.com

“Cumann Naomh Peregrine would like to take this opportunity to thank Community Credit Union for their generous support for our National Hurling and Camogie Feile and looks forward to continuing our partnership with Community Credit Union. Visit www.cnp.ie to find out more about your local GAA club.”Cara Regan Downey, Juvenile Chairman-Naomh Peregrine


Supervisor Marianne Kinirons

David, Stephen & Cian Harrison & Shauna Flanagan

Our Community

As we mentioned in previous editions of our Newsletter, in each issue, we will profile Community groups, individuals and upcoming events.

In this issue, we are delighted to profile Orla Brennan, a longstanding member of Community Credit Union who, like our President Stephen Harrison, recently volunteered to work in Cape Town at Dennegeur Primary School (840 students).

The school also runs a food scheme that provides students with food that otherwise would not be affordable or available to anyone. Many families in the area are also badly affected by drugs and alcohol related issues but, despite all of these challenges and hardships, the students come to school every day in good spirits and many show a great eagerness to learn. It is rare that I walked down a corridor at any stage during the school day without being greeted with a hug from a student. I will never forget my experiences there.”

The Volunteer South Africa Programme is operated by USIT in conjunction with SASTS, South Africa’s well-known non-governmental organisation, providing relevant volunteer experiences in South Africa for youths between 18-30 years of age.

For further information on the volunteer abroad education programme you can visit www.usit.ie/volunteer/project/education-projects

We would like to help you promote your club or group. If you have an event that is coming up, have achieved success in your area of activity, or would simply like to let other people in the community know who you are and where to contact you, please let us know and we will include information about you in our next Newsletter and on our website. You can send your email and/or photographs to [email protected].

Orla participated in a 4-week volunteer experience on an education project in Cape Town, where she was placed in Dennegeur Primary School teaching English and Maths to children from impoverished backgrounds. This was a life changing experience for Orla, who assisted teachers in the classrooms, supported troubled kids and most of all, gave them love and hope for the future.

Orla has taken the time to share her incredible experiences working with the school and the amazing people she encountered on her journey:

“Each class has approximately 40 students aging from 6 to 12. I worked in the Resource Unit where they help students who have difficulty reading and writing. This school is classified as under privileged with many families not being able to afford the basic school equipment such as pens, pencils, erasers and books.

“The Blanchardstown Hospital Society is the fund raising arm of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. It comprises staff from the hospital, retired employees and volunteers who raise funds to assist with worthy projects in the hospital for the betterment and comfort of clients. The latest event was a golf classic and raffle held on 27th April 2012. A total of €12,000 was raised for the Stroke Service at the hospital. The BHS was extremely grateful for the moral and financial support given by Community Credit Union in supporting this worthy local cause.”Eddie Matthews-Blanchardstown Hospital Society Committee


“I would sincerely like to thank Community Credit Union for their support in sponsoring me. It is wonderful to know that you can really rely on your credit union for so many things and particularly for when it counts.”

Orla Brennan with Pupils from Dennegeur Primary School, Cape Town

It’s really catching on!

Our Community

As we mentioned in previous editions of our Newsletter, in each issue, we will profile Community groups, individuals and upcoming events.

In this issue, we are delighted to profile Orla Brennan, a longstanding member of Community Credit Union who, like our President Stephen Harrison, recently volunteered to work in Cape Town at Dennegeur Primary School (840 students).

The school also runs a food scheme that provides students with food that otherwise would not be affordable or available to anyone. Many families in the area are also badly affected by drugs and alcohol related issues but, despite all of these challenges and hardships, the students come to school every day in good spirits and many show a great eagerness to learn. It is rare that I walked down a corridor at any stage during the school day without being greeted with a hug from a student. I will never forget my experiences there.”

The Volunteer South Africa Programme is operated by USIT in conjunction with SASTS, South Africa’s well-known non-governmental organisation, providing relevant volunteer experiences in South Africa for youths between 18-30 years of age.

For further information on the volunteer abroad education programme you can visit www.usit.ie/volunteer/project/education-projects

We would like to help you promote your club or group. If you have an event that is coming up, have achieved success in your area of activity, or would simply like to let other people in the community know who you are and where to contact you, please let us know and we will include information about you in our next Newsletter and on our website. You can send your email and/or photographs to [email protected].

Orla participated in a 4-week volunteer experience on an education project in Cape Town, where she was placed in Dennegeur Primary School teaching English and Maths to children from impoverished backgrounds. This was a life changing experience for Orla, who assisted teachers in the classrooms, supported troubled kids and most of all, gave them love and hope for the future.

Orla has taken the time to share her incredible experiences working with the school and the amazing people she encountered on her journey:

“Each class has approximately 40 students aging from 6 to 12. I worked in the Resource Unit where they help students who have difficulty reading and writing. This school is classified as under privileged with many families not being able to afford the basic school equipment such as pens, pencils, erasers and books.

“The Blanchardstown Hospital Society is the fund raising arm of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. It comprises staff from the hospital, retired employees and volunteers who raise funds to assist with worthy projects in the hospital for the betterment and comfort of clients. The latest event was a golf classic and raffle held on 27th April 2012. A total of €12,000 was raised for the Stroke Service at the hospital. The BHS was extremely grateful for the moral and financial support given by Community Credit Union in supporting this worthy local cause.”Eddie Matthews-Blanchardstown Hospital Society Committee


“I would sincerely like to thank Community Credit Union for their support in sponsoring me. It is wonderful to know that you can really rely on your credit union for so many things and particularly for when it counts.”

Orla Brennan with Pupils from Dennegeur Primary School, Cape Town

It’s really catching on!

You Should Know

New Service – Inbound Debit Cards!

We can now accept payments by Debit Card in all of our offices or over the telephone (subject to certain restrictions).

We’re On Facebook!

Your CU has joined the Facebook family.Facebook is already proving to be an ideal platform for us to communicate news and promote products and services. We are delighted with the response so far and if you haven’t found us yet, we would urge you to do so and LIKE us today!

Ulster Bank Issue

As members will be aware, Ulster Bank is our main banking partner and the computer system problems that they experienced recently have created delays in allowing us process certain incoming and outgoing payments to members’ accounts. Although this is outside of our control we apologise for any inconvenience and expect that normal service will resume shortly. Please visit www.communitycu.ie for regular updates.


“On behalf of Celtic Athletic Club, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Community Credit Union for their recent donation to our club funds. As you are no doubt aware, some parents are under severe financial pressure so it’s great to get such a generous donation. Recently, athletes from the club represented Navan Road Parish in the Dublin Community Games Finals in Santry and for the 8th year in a row bar one, we won the Lord Mayors Trophy for the best overall area, winning 5 gold medals, 4 silvers and 6 bronze over the weekend.”Mary McKenna, Secretary-Celtic Athletic Club

Dormant Accounts

When a member does not use their Credit Union account for 36 months, the status of the account is changed from ‘Active’ to ‘Dormant’. This is done automatically under our internal control procedures, which are designed to protect members’ interests at all times. The money in the account is not removed while the account is classified as ‘Dormant’. It simply means that when we next receive a request to access the balance, we apply additional safeguards which ensure that everything is in order.

To reactivate the account, the member needs to confirm their identity (name, date of birth and address) by coming in to one of our three offices and providing one of the following documents to verify their name/date of birth and address:

Name and Date of BirthCurrent Valid Passport OR Current Valid Driver’s Licence

AddressUtility bill, bank statement, Credit Union statement, household/motor insurance certificate or renewal letter, correspondence from the Revenue Commissioners or Department of Social Protection, correspondence from local authority addressed to you to your home and dated within the past 6 months.

Call us at 01 838 6406 or email [email protected] if you have any questions on Dormant Accounts.

You Should Know

New Service – Inbound Debit Cards!

We can now accept payments by Debit Card in all of our offices or over the telephone (subject to certain restrictions).

We’re On Facebook!

Your CU has joined the Facebook family.Facebook is already proving to be an ideal platform for us to communicate news and promote products and services. We are delighted with the response so far and if you haven’t found us yet, we would urge you to do so and LIKE us today!

Ulster Bank Issue

As members will be aware, Ulster Bank is our main banking partner and the computer system problems that they experienced recently have created delays in allowing us process certain incoming and outgoing payments to members’ accounts. Although this is outside of our control we apologise for any inconvenience and expect that normal service will resume shortly. Please visit www.communitycu.ie for regular updates.


“On behalf of Celtic Athletic Club, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Community Credit Union for their recent donation to our club funds. As you are no doubt aware, some parents are under severe financial pressure so it’s great to get such a generous donation. Recently, athletes from the club represented Navan Road Parish in the Dublin Community Games Finals in Santry and for the 8th year in a row bar one, we won the Lord Mayors Trophy for the best overall area, winning 5 gold medals, 4 silvers and 6 bronze over the weekend.”Mary McKenna, Secretary-Celtic Athletic Club

Dormant Accounts

When a member does not use their Credit Union account for 36 months, the status of the account is changed from ‘Active’ to ‘Dormant’. This is done automatically under our internal control procedures, which are designed to protect members’ interests at all times. The money in the account is not removed while the account is classified as ‘Dormant’. It simply means that when we next receive a request to access the balance, we apply additional safeguards which ensure that everything is in order.

To reactivate the account, the member needs to confirm their identity (name, date of birth and address) by coming in to one of our three offices and providing one of the following documents to verify their name/date of birth and address:

Name and Date of BirthCurrent Valid Passport OR Current Valid Driver’s Licence

AddressUtility bill, bank statement, Credit Union statement, household/motor insurance certificate or renewal letter, correspondence from the Revenue Commissioners or Department of Social Protection, correspondence from local authority addressed to you to your home and dated within the past 6 months.

Call us at 01 838 6406 or email [email protected] if you have any questions on Dormant Accounts.

In Focus

Payment OptionsCommunity Credit Union offers a number of payment options to enable you to take money from your account (whether to draw down a loan or make a withdrawal from your savings).

“The Parish of St. Thomais the Apostle would like to sincerely thank Community Credit Union for the donation of a Silver Birch Tree for the new Community Garden. We look forward to watching it grow over the years.” Lorraine Reed-Castleknock Community Centre


Lodgement Method When do I get the funds? Transaction Charges

Withdrawals by Cash The withdrawal is done immediately and the cash is handed to you while in the office.

The cash available in the offices on any particular day will determine the level of cash to be handed out to any individual member.

Where a person requests a withdrawal and they are not present in the office (i.e. through a website request or a request given in writing), then this option is not available to them as we do not send cash via post.

NO transaction fees forCash withdrawals

Withdrawals by Cheque The withdrawal is done immediately and the cheque is handed to you while in the office.

Where a person requests a withdrawal and they are not present in the office (i.e. through a website request or a request given in writing), then the withdrawal will be done on the account and the cheque will be made payable to you and posted to your address. Prior to doing this withdrawal, you may be requested to provide supporting documentation to support this remote request.

If you wish the cheque to be made payable to a third party or have recently changed address, then you need to come in to the office to do the withdrawal.

NO transaction fees for Cheque withdrawals

Withdrawals by Credit Transfer

The withdrawal is done immediately and the money is lodged directly into your bank account (or a third parties’ bank account) within 2 working days.

Where a person requests a withdrawal by credit trans-fer and they are not present in the office (i.e. through a website request or a request given in writing), then the withdrawal will be done on the account and the money will be transferred to your account.

If you wish the money to be paid into a third parties’ bank account, then you need to come in to the office to do the withdrawal.

NO transaction fees for Credit Transfer withdrawals

“Clonsilla Kenpo Karate Club would like to thank Community Credit Union for their generous support in helping our fundraising efforts to provide equipment for over 50 students under 16 at our sports club, to facilitate learning Kenpo Karate in a safe environment. This donation goes directly to the heart of the community in making a difference to young lives. We really appreciate the support.”Aaron McCaghy, Instructor-Clonsilla Kenpo Karate Club

In Focus

Payment OptionsCommunity Credit Union offers a number of payment options to enable you to take money from your account (whether to draw down a loan or make a withdrawal from your savings).

“The Parish of St. Thomais the Apostle would like to sincerely thank Community Credit Union for the donation of a Silver Birch Tree for the new Community Garden. We look forward to watching it grow over the years.” Lorraine Reed-Castleknock Community Centre


Lodgement Method When do I get the funds? Transaction Charges

Withdrawals by Cash The withdrawal is done immediately and the cash is handed to you while in the office.

The cash available in the offices on any particular day will determine the level of cash to be handed out to any individual member.

Where a person requests a withdrawal and they are not present in the office (i.e. through a website request or a request given in writing), then this option is not available to them as we do not send cash via post.

NO transaction fees forCash withdrawals

Withdrawals by Cheque The withdrawal is done immediately and the cheque is handed to you while in the office.

Where a person requests a withdrawal and they are not present in the office (i.e. through a website request or a request given in writing), then the withdrawal will be done on the account and the cheque will be made payable to you and posted to your address. Prior to doing this withdrawal, you may be requested to provide supporting documentation to support this remote request.

If you wish the cheque to be made payable to a third party or have recently changed address, then you need to come in to the office to do the withdrawal.

NO transaction fees for Cheque withdrawals

Withdrawals by Credit Transfer

The withdrawal is done immediately and the money is lodged directly into your bank account (or a third parties’ bank account) within 2 working days.

Where a person requests a withdrawal by credit trans-fer and they are not present in the office (i.e. through a website request or a request given in writing), then the withdrawal will be done on the account and the money will be transferred to your account.

If you wish the money to be paid into a third parties’ bank account, then you need to come in to the office to do the withdrawal.

NO transaction fees for Credit Transfer withdrawals

“Clonsilla Kenpo Karate Club would like to thank Community Credit Union for their generous support in helping our fundraising efforts to provide equipment for over 50 students under 16 at our sports club, to facilitate learning Kenpo Karate in a safe environment. This donation goes directly to the heart of the community in making a difference to young lives. We really appreciate the support.”Aaron McCaghy, Instructor-Clonsilla Kenpo Karate Club

Terms & conditions apply: Answer the questions and enter your contact details. Closing date: Friday, August 10th 2012. The draw is open to Members only. One entry per Member. Decision of the Board of Directors shall be final as to the winning entry.

Terms & conditions apply: Answer the questions and enter your contact details. Closing date: Friday, August 10th 2012. The draw is open to Members only. One entry per Member. Decision of the Board of Directors shall be final as to the winning entry.

Competition

Next NewsletterIf you have any information you would like to see included in our next Newsletter, please email [email protected].


You could win a fantastic cash prize to the value of €250 by visiting our website www.communitycu.ie and answering 3 simple questions!

Our NewsletterCompetition!

Enter Competition

COMPETITIONCash Prize

Congratulations to Vivienne Browne,winner of our last Newsletter Competition.

For those members who would prefer to submit your entry in person, please read this issue of our Newsletter and answer the following 3 questions:

1. Orla Brennan volunteered to teach in India. True or False? _________

2. Inbound Debit Card Payments are now available at your CU. True or False? _________

3. Community Credit Union is now on Facebook. True or False? _________

Name: _________________________________

Account Number: ________________________

Email Address: __________________________

Please tear at the dotted line and drop your entry into the Newsletter Competition Box located in each of our 3 offices.If you have any questions, please feel free to ask a member of staff.Best of luck to everyone!

newsletter€¦ · web: email: [email protected] you should know ccu news our community message...

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