EKC CEO joined Journey Out of Poverty tour

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Posted: May 30, 2013

EKC CEO joined Journey Out of Poverty tour

East Kootenay Community Credit Union’s (EKC) chief executive officer Jody Burk earlier this month joined credit union peers to see firsthand how cooperatives are making a difference internationally.

A successful credit union in Siem Reap. The board chairperson (showed great leadership) gave an interesting presentation then she toured us to four member businesses. Photos submitted

Credit unions and cooperatives have a history of coming together to share expertise and support each other for the benefit of their members and their communities. Locally they support community projects with donations and expertise.

Beyond our backyard they also help. Burk joined five other credit union CEOs on the Co-operative Development Foundations’ (CDF) Journey Out of Poverty tour to Cambodia from May 10–18.

CDF funds growth and development programs based on co-operative values to help people and communities around the world work their way out of poverty. The Journey Out of Poverty tour enables Canadian credit union leaders to learn first-hand about poverty alleviation through cooperatives in developing countries, and to experience the important work that the CDF does to make the world a better place.

To contribute to the CDF and help them continue to have the resources needed for this important program, the participants are encouraged to raise funds and awareness with their peers and colleagues upon their return to Canada.

Visiting credit union members who make beautiful baskets, they are looking at starting a Co-Op, to cut out the middle man, who makes all the money... - with Coopscanada — Visiting credit union members who make beautiful baskets, they are looking at starting a Co-Op, to cut out the middle man, who makes all the money… – with Coopscanada

“I am excited to see how credit unions develop in this poverty stricken country – some are still run out of homes. We will meet with managers and boards and share knowledge and offer support. Some stats we have been told about Cambodia include 85% of men and 75% of woman do not read, and 50% of the population is under 25 years of age. Credit unions are trying to develop – and make a difference in – communities and members’ lives,” Burke stated.

The team included:

Jody Burk, CEO East Kootenay Community Credit Union

Kathy Conway, CEO Interior Savings Credit Union

Launi Skinner, CEO First West

Eric Dillon, CEO Conexus Credit Union

Mark Lane, CEO Affinity Credit Union

Kelly McGiffin, CEO FirstOntario Credit Union

Please check out EKC’s Facebook page for more of Jody’s trip.

Submitted