News & Articles
Thank You, Saskatchewan!
Once again, the generosity of Saskatchewan's people is proven. Affinity Credit Union is pleased to announce that $19,261.12 was accepted at branch locations from members for the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort.
A big thank you to all our members and staff who contributed to this cause.
Our Simpson Branch is Re-Opening
We are pleased to announce that, on Tuesday, February 16, our Simpson Branch will re-open to the public.
Please join us on Friday, February 19 between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at the Simpson Branch for coffee and donuts as we celebrate our re-opening.
We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while the branch was closed.
Affinity a Provincial Finalist for Community Involvement
Affinity is dedicated to improving the lives of people in our communities across Saskatchewan. That’s why staff are celebrating after Affinity was selected as a finalist in the 2009 ABEX Award for Community Involvement.
Linda Moulin, Senior Vice President Corporate Development, said: “It is an honour to be a finalist and we take pride in our achievements. Every year we allocate 3% or more of our pre-tax profits to community partnerships and sponsorships and we encourage our staff to volunteer in a variety of ways.”
In 2008, staff committed 10,000 volunteer hours to help their members and communities thrive and prosper and Affinity contributed $1.3 million to support local initiatives.
“Time and again, we hear glowing accounts of the positive impact that our community development programs have had on individuals and families in our communities, particularly in the areas of education, affordable housing, at-risk youth, economic development, healthcare, environmental initiatives and, most importantly, from the dedication of our staff who volunteer, help out, and are a visible part of our communities,” added Moulin.
Affinity Credit Union is the second largest credit union in Saskatchewan and aims to be the financial institution of choice. It offers access to a complete range of financial services including insurance and wealth management products to over 95,000 members through a network of 45 branches in 36 communities across the province.
Affinity Delegate Receives Co-operative Achievement Award
Karl Baumgardner
Karl Baumgardner has extensive experience as a Director of Co-operatives. He served as President of St. Mary’s Credit Union for 15 years, 1st Vice President for SaskCentral, and Director on the Boards of Concentra Financial, The Co-operators, and the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives. He is retired from a career in teaching, school administration and the College of Education, University of Saskatchewan. He is Past President of the Sask. Association for Multicultural Education and is active in St. Mary’s Parish. Karl will receive his award at the 30th Annual Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards on October 13, in Regina.
Click here to view the poster for this event.
Affinity Presents $5,000 to Local Artist
Jinny Nieviadomy is celebrating after winning $5,000 in the 2009 My Future is Here (MyFiH) Business Award sponsored by Affinity Credit Union.
MyFiH, a program operated through the Saskatchewan Rotary Youth Foundation, helps Saskatchewan young adults build a successful future in the province. Affinity Credit Union supports MyFiH by sponsoring the $5,000 Business Award each year.
To win the award, Nieviadomy developed a comprehensive business expansion plan for her newly-launched business, Artistic Incidents, based in Meadow Lake.
Presenting the award on behalf of Affinity Credit Union was Linda Moulin, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. She said: "I am delighted to present this award to a local artist who is focused on making cultural experiences accessible to everyone in our community. I wish her the all the best."
"A huge thank you to Affinity Credit Union for helping my dream and passion take form!" said Nieviadomy "The funds will be used towards the purchase of art equipment and supplies that will help create quality art programming classes and workshops for the community."
Kitchen makeover winner!
Donna Klein and Kevin Haas
Donna Klein, a member from Sedley Branch, is the winner of our $2,000 kitchen makeover. Congratulations!
Affinity Credit Union Wins Strategic Alliance Award
Affinity Credit Union is the winner of this year’s Strategic Alliance Award through our partnership with Community First Development Fund.
The award recognizes Affinity’s support as a financing partner and a major investor in their community economic development fund which provides small loans to new entrepreneurs.
Community First works to reduce poverty in Saskatoon and surrounding regions by fostering community economic development through financing opportunities.
The award was presented at the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Success! Gala held at TCU Place on May 14th.
Linda Moulin, Affinity Senior Vice President Corporate Development said: “This is a prestigious award and a huge honour for our Credit Union. It recognizes our community partnerships and the marvelous work we are doing to help our members and communities thrive and prosper.”
Term Deposit Maturity Information
Did you know that your term deposit renewal information is printed on your statements? It is also available to you online through online banking. This information can help you plan for when your Affinity term deposits mature and allows you to take advantage of the best possible renewal options available.
To speak with someone regarding your term deposit maturity:
- Call our TeleService Centre at 934.4000 (in Saskatoon) or Toll Free at 1.866.863.6237
- Email us at questions@affinitycu.ca
- Stop in at your local branch
High School Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Cheque presentation
On January 13, 2010, Affinity donated $10,000 to help students experience building a home. Richard Harries, Community Development Manager and Linda Moulin, SVP Corporate Development, presented a cheque to H-CAP, the High School Carpentry Apprenticeship program at Mount Royal Collegiate in Saskatoon. Through the program, students help to build a home with Habitat for Humanity.
Barb Cox-Lloyd, from Habitat for Humanity, says the program gives students a chance to put hours towards their journeyperson’s status and get some hands on experience, and Habitat for Humanity gets help with labour.
For more on Affinity's involvement with Habitat for Humanity, click here.
Annual Report and Financial Statements now available
Click here to go to the Media Centre.
Get a MasterCard SecureCode
Did you know that many online retailers now require you to have a SecureCode® set up on your MasterCard® to complete online transactions? Credit card fraud is a serious issue and that's why MasterCard® allows you to set up your own SecureCode® to make your online purchases safer. A SecureCode® is just like a PIN for your MasterCard®. When using your card at a participating online retailer, you'll be prompted to enter your SecureCode® before you can complete your transaction. Because your SecureCode® is only known to you, your online transactions become much more secure.
The Credit Union MasterCard® is the best low fee credit card in Canada. This card offers tremendous value and benefits, including Choice Rewards®.
Pre-loaded Debit Card Now Available to First Nations Bands
Tired of cheque-cashing fees? Obtain an Affinity Card, a pre-loaded debit card, now available to all First Nations Band members – and save money!
Band leaders simply load the debit cards with funds that they would normally distribute to Band members by cheque.
For more information on the pre-loaded debit card, contact:
Wilfred Jimmy, Aboriginal Business Development Manager
Email: Wilfred.jimmy@affinitycu.ca
Tel: 306.934.4041
Affinity Opens New Branch on Cowessess First Nation
On February 4 Affinity Credit Union opened a new 1,912 square foot full-service branch on Cowessess First Nation serving over 3,500 Band members.
The opening was attended by representatives from the Provincial Government, First Nations Leaders and Affinity Credit Union executives. It was followed by a cultural feast with members of the Cowessess Band and members of the community.
According to the credit union, this new branch opening represents a key investment in the area and is part of Affinity’s strategic plan to provide access to financial services to First Nations people across the province through their First Nations District.
George Keter, Affinity’s CEO, said: “The increasing importance of First Nations communities in the provincial economy, and the young and growing Aboriginal population, make it a priority for our credit union to connect growth meaningfully with First Nations.
“Our newest location allows us to better serve our members and demonstrates our commitment to meeting the financial needs of this thriving community.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for our band members,” said Chief Gordon Lerat, Cowessess First Nation. “Our partnership with Affinity Credit Union will encourage the involvement and advancement of First Nations people in creating a more prosperous future for ourselves and for Saskatchewan.”
Affinity has a long history of service to the First Nations community and is one of the first credit unions to open an on-reserve full-service branch on a First Nations reserve. In addition to offering banking expertise, Affinity will take an active role in supporting Cowessess partnership initiatives, educational programs and community development.
The branch is supported by a team of three people: a Business Development Manager and two Member Service Representatives. It is open Monday and Wednesday from 10:00am to 3:30pm and Friday from 10:00am to 4:30pm. The branch will be closed from 12:30pm to 1:30pm for lunch. It includes an automated teller machine.
Affinity Credit Union is the second largest credit union in Saskatchewan and aims to be the financial institution of choice. It offers access to a complete range of financial services including insurance and wealth management products to over 95,000 members through a network of 46 branches in 37 communities across the province.
Seniors' Month
June is Seniors' month. Affinity is offering tips for seniors on how to identify common scams and how to avoid them.