LIHU‘E — Big or small, Kaua‘i’s credit unions ‘ohana, or not, credit unions on Kaua‘i shared the common bond of community and aloha Thursday.
Conrad Rualizo of the Kaua‘i Teachers Federal Credit Union said credit unions decided they would forego any large, festive events in consideration of COVID-19 conditions for this year. They offered a tableful of treats for customers who came in to conduct transactions.
“Kaua‘i’s credit unions will join 56,000 credit unions around the world to celebrate International Credit Union Day,” said Tess Shimabukuro, president of the Kaua‘i chapter of the Hawai‘i Credit Union League and CEO of Gather Federal Credit Union. “The theme of ICU Day 2022 is ‘Empower Your Financial Future with a Credit Union.’”
Among the giveaways, the Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union hosted a special coloring contest for third-grade students at the Elsie Wilcox Elementary School, where the top winners earned gift cards.
Keiki opening accounts at the Kaua‘i FCU also received a special coloring book with a financial literacy theme that was accompanied by a Spam musubi key chain that resembled the Spam musubi used to illustrate one of the aspects of financial literacy.
“You’re never too young to start learning about financial literacy,” said Chantal Zarbaugh of Kaua‘i FCU, who got volunteers and credit union board members to help distribute free coffee and doughnuts to customers. “We love our volunteers.”
International Credit Union Day highlights the many ways that credit unions across the world help members improve their financial health and well being.
“Come to our digital workshop Friday,” said Lyrica Musni of the Hawai‘iUSA Federal Credit Union as she offered a camera cover for computers. “It’s free. Your privacy is important, and the digital workshop can teach you ways to protect your privacy, especially in this digital age. Come visit us on Halloween — we’ll be all dressed up.”
Other credit unions like the Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union Kekaha Branch capitalized on the busy Harvest Festival over the weekend in Kekaha to get their aloha into the community.
“Credit unions were built on the principle of ‘people helping people,’” Shimabukuro said. “We have seen that philosophy in action for more than 100 years, with credit unions providing access to affordable financial products and striving to meet the needs of underserved communities. Kaua‘i’s credit unions are honored to be a part of this proud tradition.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
