Ahead of next Monday’s official launch of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games volunteer registration portal, Team Credit Union collaborative partners are calling on community members to follow their lead 

October 20, 2021 (Niagara, Ont.) — In the spirit of National Co-op Week and tomorrow’s International Credit Union Day, three credit unions with deep roots in Niagara are teaming up with a rallying cry to the community to get involved with the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games in order to make them a success and be a part of their legacy. Meridian Credit Union, FirstOntario Credit Union and PenFinancial Credit Union are providing vital support to Niagara 2022 through ownership of their unique branded programs and also joining forces in a show of support as community leaders and partners.

Specifically, PenFinancial is co-sponsoring the 2022 Canada Games Catch The Spirit Educational and Mascot programs, FirstOntario is a sponsor of the 13 For 13 Cultural Festival, and Meridian is the presenting sponsor of the Volunteer Program, which will involve approximately 4,500 volunteers that will deliver Canada’s largest multi-sport event. In addition to these contributions, all three local Niagara credit unions have committed to support the Niagara 2022 Torch Relay program by sponsoring part of the torch’s journey across the Niagara Region in June and July of 2022.

Next week, on Monday October 25, the 2022 Canada Games volunteer registration portal will officially open and begin accepting online applications for Games-time volunteer roles that will support areas such as sport operations, transportation, ticketing, food services, and media relations — just to name a few.

“We are very grateful to partner with Niagara’s three credit unions to deliver a Canada Games that will leave a lasting legacy for our community for many years to come,” said Doug Hamilton, Board Chair of the Niagara 2022 Host Society.

“The Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games have provided us a unique opportunity to participate in a way that is meaningful to each of our organizations,” added Ken Janzen, CEO of PenFinancial Credit Union. “So, while we have all chosen to step up in different ways, we can all be proud to know that our collective efforts will ultimately benefit the Games, and our community.”

“We’re collaborating with our credit union colleagues because we know that together is better,” stated Wade Stayzer, Meridian Chief People and Culture Officer, SVP Business Banking. “We all have a role to play in community building. In the case of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, we are working together for a common purpose — the well-being and future growth of the Niagara Region. It’s a vision we all share.”

“Cooperation among cooperatives is one of the fundamental principles of a cooperative organization, so it is natural for credit unions to come together in support of key community initiatives like this,” said Lloyd Smith, CEO of FirstOntario Credit Union. “We are all in this together for the benefit of the Niagara Region and we are very proud to host the rest of Canada in Niagara. We are all looking forward to welcoming visitors and cheering on our young Canadian athletes who have worked so hard to prepare for these Games.”

Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games are the country’s marquee event for amateur sport representing the highest level of national competition for thousands of up-and-coming Canadian athletes. More than 5,000 participants and close to 4,500 volunteers are expected to take part in the 28th edition of the Canada Games.

For more information on how Niagara’s three credit unions are working together in support of the 2022 Canada Summer Games, please see the complete story on Niagara 2022’s website.

About FirstOntario Credit Union

FirstOntario is a full service cooperative financial institution, serving Members for over 80 years throughout the Golden Horseshoe, Niagara Region and Southwestern regions of Ontario. With $5.7 billion in assets under management, FirstOntario is one of Canada’s largest credit unions. Everyone is welcome to be part of FirstOntario for financial services including daily transactions, mortgages, lines of credit, loans and investments. FirstOntario profits are invested into the communities we serve through support for entrepreneurs, competitive rates and charitable pursuits including our award winning student nutrition program. Learn more about us today at FirstOntario.com.

About Meridian Credit Union

With more than 75 years of banking history, Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of 375,000 Members. Meridian has $27.2 billion in assets under management (as at June 30, 2021) and delivers a full range of financial services online, by phone, by mobile and through a network of 89 branches across Ontario, and business banking services in 15 locations. Meridian cardholders also have access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ABMs in North America with THE EXCHANGE® Network and the Allpoint Network in the US. For more information, please visit: meridiancu.ca, follow us on Twitter @MeridianCU or visit us on Facebook.

About PenFinancial Credit Union

A truly local values-based credit union that is committed to improving the lives of over 20,000 members and businesses. PenFinancial delivers a full range of financial services online, by mobile and through a network of six branches across Niagara and in Haldimand. Through their Truly Local Commitment, the credit union is a proud Certified B Corporation and Living Wage employer who invests 10% of their pre-tax profits into the communities it serves.  PenFinancial is also proud to choose 100% renewable energy with Bullfrog Power as part of their commitment to sustainability. For more information visit penfinancial.com.

About the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games

At the peak of Niagara’s boldest summer yet, more than 5,000 up-and-coming athletes, their coaches and support staff will gather to compete for the podium in Canada’s largest multi-sport event. From August 6 to 21, 2022, Niagara will surge stronger than ever on the national stage. The 2022 Games, made possible thanks to funding and support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Niagara Region, and the Canada Games Council, will give rise to new legacies of ambition, confidence, and compassion that will inspire generations to come.

For further information, visit us at niagara2022games.ca or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@2022canadagames).