2010 Community Report

building
Community Report 2010
community
creating
access
2
Who is Alterna and
what makes us
different?
We’re a member-owned credit union with more than a century of putting people and
communities first. Alterna Savings and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Alterna Bank,
provide full financial services including personal and business banking, to over 120,000
people in Ontario and Quebec.
What makes us truly different are the strong values we uphold and our devotion to the
communities we serve. Our goal is to empower our members through financial planning,
education, personal money management, micro-lending, and much more.
With 22 branches in Ontario and two in Gatineau, Quebec, we’re sure to be nearby.
Or, bank with us 24/7 wherever you are with our online or telephone banking service.
And, we’re part of THE EXCHANGE® Network, giving you access to over 2,100 ABMs
nationwide. When you have a question or need to speak with a live person, our
knowledgeable and friendly TeleService staff are glad to help.
Whether you have a little money or a lot, we can always help you
find a smarter way to make your money work for you.
1
Alterna as a
Corporate Citizen
The 5 Pillars That Keep Us Strong
As a co-operative financial institution, our commitment to supporting the communities we serve is the
foundation we are built on. We have a long history of community and social responsibility activities
going back to our earliest days.
Alterna Savings has committed to contributing 2% of our pre-tax profits to the communities we serve,
as an Imagine Canada Caring Company. One percent of our commitment is provided through our
Community Donations Program, and one percent through sponsorships and other activities.
We understand that corporate social responsibility (CSR) goes beyond traditional philanthropy,
and as such, we’ve adopted five CSR pillars on which we focus our efforts:
Economic Development
In addition to supporting great local causes, we help support economic development in our communities
through investing in other co-operatives, non-profits and small businesses. We know that small businesses
are a driving force in the health and success of the local economy. And, we share similar values to
many of the non-profit organizations in our own backyard.
Credit unions have a long history of supporting and investing in their local economies. A large
portion of members’ deposits into Alterna Savings are reinvested in the form of loans and mortgages
to individuals, organizations and businesses in Ontario.
We also take our commitment further through the Community Micro-Loan Program. This program
provides credit to micro-entrepreneurs to start and build their businesses. By providing loans to
individuals and businesses that would not otherwise qualify for credit, we’re helping people become
self-sufficient contributors to our economy and community.
The true impact of this program is evident in the results of the study we published in 2010 with the
help of the Carleton Centre for Community Innovation. The study, “Strengthening our community by
empowering individuals”, can be read in its entirety on alterna.ca.
2
Through services tailored for non-profit organizations,
housing co-operatives and other co-operatives, Alterna
does its part to make it easier for those organizations
to thrive and support others.
Financial Literacy
Knowledge is power. Ensuring our members are knowledgeable about managing their money makes us
a stronger institution and empowers our members. We love to share our expertise, demystifying banking
terms and jargon, and helping people make better and smarter financial decisions.
We publish articles on financial topics in our member newsletter and on our website. We also hold periodic
education seminars on a range of relevant topics like homebuying, financial planning and investing. We
launched our Money Management Program in 2010, providing our members with one-on-one budgeting
and financial management advice from our Personal Money Coaches.
In 2010 Alterna Savings was invited to participate in the consultation phase of the Government of Canada’s
Task Force on Financial Literacy. We’re pleased and very excited to see a number of our recommendations
included in the final strategy document published by the Task Force. We’re now determining how Alterna
can play a meaningful role and contribute to the intent of the Task Force recommendations. Educating our
members and others in handling finances, improving credit and effective budgeting are one of our strengths,
and we firmly believe everyone benefits.
Transparency and Accountability
We’re accountable to you, our members, for everything we do. In a world where organizations hide
behind an opaque veil, Alterna does the opposite. We were an early adopter of the triple bottom-line
reporting practice, with our first social audit performed in 1993, and we continue to be transparent in our
communications and reporting to you.
To find out how we did in 2010, be sure to check out our 2010 Annual Summary, which includes key
details about our accountability measures. Ask to see a hard copy in your local branch, or read it online
at alterna.ca.
We believe that consumers have the right to make informed choices about where they’ll spend and invest
their hard-earned dollars. Organizational transparency is just one more way Alterna protects our member
and community interests.
Environmental Stewardship
Today, many organizations “green wash” their business practices. At Alterna, we practice what we preach.
We’re working hard to reduce our carbon footprint by using eco-approved suppliers and implementing
waste reduction and recycling practices in our offices. We’re doing our part to preserve our planet – for now,
and future generations.
4
Philanthropy
Like you, we’re part of the communities we serve. We live, eat and breathe in the same space.
And, we love to give back. In fact, approximately 85 cents from every dollar at Alterna is
reinvested into our local communities through loans that stay in our neighbourhoods. We also
contribute through sponsorships, our community donation program, scholarships and more.
Check out our Spare Change program – it’s a super-easy way to support community and
neighbourhood causes. When you sign up for Spare Change, once a month we’ll “sweep” the
change from your account and deposit it to a pool of funds of your choice, whether homelessness,
environmental sustainability or children’s issues. Then, a couple of times each year, our Donations
Committee (made up of staff, members and Board of Directors) distribute the funds. For a complete
list of 2010 recipients, please see the Donations section in this report, or read it online at alterna.ca.
Building Community
6
Creating
Access
Our communities are our passion – after all, we live and work here too.
Supporting local causes not only helps make our communities stronger,
it makes us stronger as well. As a company, and as individuals.
In 2010, we continued our tradition of putting communities first, creating
access to banking, healthy food, affordable housing, education and more.
Here are a few highlights.
Access to Banking
ACCESS Community Capital Fund
Alterna Savings has been a key partner of ACCESS Community Capital Fund, helping
entrepreneurs in Toronto’s communities obtain financing often not available from other sources.
ACCESS is a registered charity, relying on partners like Alterna to be the administrative
backbone in delivering the loans. With Alterna, ACCESS clients receive a variety of
our financial products and services. We also contribute directly to ACCESS operations,
participating in loan review committees and offering our micro-finance expertise.
Like us, ACCESS believes that communities play a significant role in supporting small
local businesses and entrepreneurs, and we’re proud to be an advocate for and partner
in their cause.
Access to Healthy Food
Toronto People Living With Aids Foundation
Early in the year, we were contacted by the Toronto People Living With Aids Foundation, the
largest provider of direct support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada. Their
organization was in need of a vehicle to accommodate their Food for Life program, which
delivers food to HIV/AIDS people in need.
Alterna was pleased to contribute to their cause, and make a difference in the community.
We’re so grate
ful for
your support
of people
living with H
IV/AIDS.
We’re now able
to serve
some of the cit
y’s most
vulnerable res
idents.
- Toronto People
Living with Aids
Foundation Foo
d for Life
tives
Representa
e
if
L
r
fo
d
Foo
Access to Affordable Housing
Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC)
The CCOC is a non-profit housing organization that provides affordable
housing to over 2,000 residents. When they were presented
with the opportunity to purchase a property for preservation
as affordable housing, they found themselves dealing with
a quick turnaround that the usual lenders couldn’t deal
They were really
with. That’s where we came in. Within two weeks of starting
ess
eager to do busin
the process, all the documents were ready and the funds
t
available!
with the non-profi
Alterna was pleased to ‘step up’ when needed to help this
important cause.
Access to Education
re
sector, and they su
delivered for us.
Ottawa
- Centretown Citizens
Corporation
Alterna Social Scholarship
The Alterna Social Economy Scholarship in Honour of Haswell B. Iron allows us to invest in the future
of our business community and support our young leaders of tomorrow’s social economy. 2010’s
Scholarship was awarded to Tereza Safarian for her outstanding efforts.
The Scholarship, granted in partnership with York University and the York University Foundation,
is awarded to a fourth year York University Business and Society student in the Social Economy
stream who achieved top academic standing in their third year. During their fourth year, as a student
ambassador for the program promoting awareness and knowledge of social economy, the student
takes a leadership role in a project, program or event that directly contributes to the greater awareness
of the social economy on the York Campus.
7
Economic
The economic health of our communities is vital to the success of a community.
Alterna recognizes the contribution that small businesses and entrepreneurs make
to the local economy, and we’re here to support these micro-businesses through
the Micro-Loan Program.
Access to Capital
Community Micro-Loan Program
2010 marked the 10th anniversary of Alterna Savings’ Micro-Loan Program, targeted at ‘micro’
entrepreneurs whose primary source of income is social assistance or employment insurance benefits.
We knew the program had helped local entrepreneurs and small businesspeople start and expand
their businesses, and had a significant impact on their lives. We just didn’t have numbers to show for
sure.
To put our faith to the test, we asked the Carleton
Centre for Community Innovation to conduct a
comprehensive study of the program. We were
delighted to find the outcome of the study provided
solid reassurance that the program has had a
measurable, positive impact on the lives of
the participants.
Youth Micro-Loan Program
When the City of Toronto and other community partners
approached us to participate in their Youth Micro-Loan
Program, we jumped at the chance. The Youth MicroLoan Program is targeted to 18-24 year-olds from priority
neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area, and is intended
to help them build the skills they need to start and run a business.
y
not onl
or
They’re g better lives f ies,
l
buildin nd their fami
a
ves
to the
themsel contributing t of
they’re nd bettermen
ha
strengt ommunities.
our c
y
ommunit
C
a
n
r
e
y
– Alt
ram Stud
g
o
r
P
n
a
Micro-Lo
The program launched in July 2010, with the inaugural set of young entrepreneurs. They attended
rigorous leadership, business, and marketing education sessions, and created detailed business
plans. Once complete, the candidates each presented their business idea “Dragon’s Den”-style to a
panel of top local businesspeople. On graduation, the candidates will have the opportunity to apply
for an Alterna Savings Micro-Loan to help get their businesses off the ground.
8
Development
We’re proud to
share our experi
ence
and expertise in
community
micro-finance
in support of th
is
important and
innovative City
of Toronto projec
t. We’ve seen how
micro-lending
in support of sm
all
business develop
ment can chan
ge
lives, and it’s w
onderful to see
th
is
program reachin
g out to Toronto
’s
youth commun
ity.
– John Lahey, A
lterna Savings
Co-ops
Helping Co-ops
Being a co-operative means we automatically have common ground with other coops: improving the lives of people through co-operative action. Alterna Savings works
with a number of other co-ops, including the Canadian Co-operative Association and
the Ontario Co-operative Association to do just that.
Here are a few highlights from 2010.
“Meeting Edit
was an enrich h
ing
for me and oth experience
credit union. S ers from our
h
a common sen e and I share
Canadian Co-operative Association
se of pride in
our work, than
k
Women’s Mentorship Program
that we are able s to the way
to
Taking community involvement to a global level, The Canadian
lives of our mem enrich the
bers a
Co-operative Association (CCA) created the Women’s Mentorship
community.” nd
Program. The Mentorship Program enables women employed
– Susan Henry, A
lterna Savings
by credit unions in developing countries access to professional
Access to Knowledge
development at credit unions right here at home.
In 2010, it’s a sad reality that few women hold leadership positions in the world’s financial sector.
Without professional development and ongoing education, women in developing countries stand little
chance for advancement, thereby holding back not just their own careers, but the development of financial
institutions and practices in their countries as well.
Over the course of a month, women credit union managers work side-by-side with Canadian credit union
managers in their daily tasks, plus attend leadership training.
In addition to hosting a workshop on marketing and communications for all of the 2010 participants,
Alterna Savings proudly hosted one of CCA’s Women’s Mentorship participants, Edith Awaula, Manager
at Twisania Savings and Credit Co-operative in Kamulu, Uganda. Edith’s been with the Twisania SACCO
for eight years – as long as the credit union has been in business.
Edith joined the Mentorship Program hoping to develop her portfolio management skills, as well as
improve her product development, delivery and service quality skills. Edith feels the most significant aspect
of her position is being able to empower grassroots entrepreneurs
financially, and improving the livelihood of members through
affordable and sustainable financial services. Alterna Savings’ Susan
Henry hosted Edith during her stay here, graciously opening her home
and heart. Susan and Alterna Savings are confident the skills and
training Edith gained during her time with us will benefit her community
and credit union.
Edith Awaula, Uganda
10
Access to Brighter Futures
Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada
People have been using co-operatives to build brighter futures for their families and communities for
years. The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) has been raising money since
1947. The funds enable the Canadian Co-operative Association to work alongside communities in
developing countries to build and sustain credit unions.
In 2010, Alterna’s support of the CDF helped the Gujarat State of Self Employed Women’s
Association Co-operative Federation (SEWA) find employment for 306 of India’s poorest women,
helping them build a better life for their families. Our support also helped the Rwandan National
Association of Agricultural Co-operatives (UGAMA) provide training to over 3,000 rice and maize
farmers increase equality between men and women.
Collectively we can bring hope, training and programs to those that need them most.
Co-operative Young Leaders (CYL)
In partnership with the Credit Union Charitable Foundation, Alterna sponsored 8 teens to attend
Co-operative Young Leaders (CYL) camp, a truly awesome, week-long, summer camp experience
for teens.
The Ontario Co-operative Association’s CYL camp blends the fun of
summer camp - like campfires, roasted marshmallows and fireside ghost
stories – with the opportunity to develop new friends, social and leadership
skills. While at CYL, young people also find and foster new self-confidence,
create new support networks, discover new ideas and perspectives. And,
they learn about co-ops and co-operative principals.
CYL brings young people from throughout Ontario together to learn, grow,
and have fun. Along the way, amazing things happen—a touch of magic
you’ll only find at CYL.
CYL Participants
Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto
In 2010, Alterna was proud to support the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto’s (CHFT)
Diversity Scholarship Program. The program was developed for people living in CHFT member housing
co-ops that demonstrate commitment to diversity in their community.
Our support of the program helped the CHFT award 10 - $5,000 scholarships to applicants for their
post-secondary education. To-date, 120 CHFT Diversity Scholarship recipients have been awarded half
a million dollars by the CHFT, providing much-needed access to a brighter future for these people.
11
Access to
Financial Control
Money Management Program
Alterna’s Money Management Program exists to help people do just that: manage their money
more effectively and make better financial decisions. Our Personal Money Coaches work with
our members one-on-one to overcome their personal Money Villains, helping them set up realistic
budgets and unveiling ways to save that they never thought possible.
We’re committed to educating our members about financial matters, no matter how big or small.
One of our members came to me after the passing of one of her parents. Years of being a primary
caregiver for her elderly parents had taken its toll – with so many other things to take care of
and worry about, she hadn’t looked after herself. Ready for a new beginning in control of her
finances, she jumped into the Money Management Program.
After meeting with her and discussing her goals, we came up with a realistic, easy-to-follow plan
that considered both her short- and long-term objectives, some of which she never thought she’d
be able to accomplish. She couldn’t believe she could reduce her debt while still saving money
and achieve some of her dreams.
She was so impressed by our Money Management program, she’s since told her family and
friends about it. Knowing that I can make that difference in a member’s life as a personal money
coach makes me extremely proud of what I do.
- Aida, Alterna Savings Personal Money Coach
Our Personal Money Coaches are on the front lines, standing beside our members for their entire
journey, providing the education and tools they need to take control of their day-to-day finances.
The success of our Money Management Program upholds our corporate focus on member education
and Financial Literacy. Alterna provides this service free-of-charge to our members, in the firm belief
that everyone should know the ins and outs of finances and credit in order to maintain control over
their financial future.
12
I think Alterna’s Money Management Program is MARVELLOUS, and one that is very much needed in
today’s society. Speaking personally, I have found your instruction, guidance and support to have been
very, very helpful to me. I believed I was a fairly good money manager, but I KNEW I could do better,
and I also knew I needed help to dig myself out of one or two challenging scenarios I found myself in.
You are challenging me to take a closer look at my finances and to try to find ways to do a better job
of looking after my household finances. It’s not always easy, and it’s not always comfortable to do this,
particularly when I figure that at my age I should KNOW how to do this. But I’m making improvements,
and your help and guidance has been invaluable to me as I work my way through this.
– M.H. Elliott, Alterna Savings Member
We’ve shared some of our member’s feedback and Personal Money Coach stories here to
demonstrate the impact our program has had on their lives.
In 2010, the federal government also recognized the importance of Financial Literacy and
education. Because of the emphasis Alterna places on member education and our Money
Management Program, we were invited to participate in the Federal Task Force for Financial Literacy.
We’re pleased to share with you that many of our recommendations were included in the Task
Force’s final document, and look forward to having much more to say in the coming year. To read
Alterna’s submission, visit alterna.ca under “Community”.
13
Access to
Life-Changing
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Idol
In partnership with the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA), Alterna Savings runs the annual
CSR Idol Award. This is an opportunity for Alterna staff and members to vote for the Alterna
representative who they believe demonstrates leadership in his or her community. Past winners are
Francine Dick, Nikki Reid and Christine Racine.
Employees have the opportunity to nominate themselves or a co-worker who they feel is a living
example of co-operative values. A panel of judges then reviews the applications and narrows the
selection down to a maximum of three worthy candidates.
The nominee with the highest number of votes is awarded a trip to a developing
country with the CCA. Past locations include the Philippines,
Mongolia and Uganda. During the trip, the Idol works
with a co-operative and shares his or her knowledge
and experience.
Giraffes, Elephants & Hippos – Oh MY!
Alterna’s “CSR Idol” Visits Uganda
Alterna employee Christine Racine was voted the 2010
CSR Idol and her reward was a trip to Kampala, Uganda
(a developing country) with the Canadian
Co-operative Association (CCA). Her first taste of
Uganda’s capital city was unbelievably chaotic traffic.
Coming from North America, “nothing can prepare you for
traffic in Kampala”, joked Christine.
Christine met up with Ingrid Fisher, Africa Director for the CCA’s international development agency,
who manages the CCA’s programs including educational and financial support for new and
growing co-operatives in five African countries. Christine also met a CCA volunteer, who shares
his financial knowledge as a former CEO of a Canadian credit union to help guide and support to
Uganda’s credit unions.
14
Experiences
Unlike Canada where credit unions are legally
protected against major bad debts, credit union
regulations in Uganda are very loose, resulting in
financial instability. Some credit unions lend out
more funds than they have on deposit, and many
deal with loan default rates in the 20-30% range.
While the CCA and UCA can’t change Uganda’s
laws, they’re working together to implement
guidelines to prevent credit unions from taking on
these high levels of risk. The knowledge shared
in these visits is invaluable to future sustainability
of Uganda’s credit union system.
nda
ank, Uga
B
n
w
O
Christine also visited a growing agricultural
People’s
SACCO
co-op in the city of Jinja, with support from the CCA
and UCA. Through education and financial assistance, the members of
the co-op are developing value-added processes that increase their income. For example,
rather than simply selling pineapples fresh when in season, members have developed pineapple
wine that sells per bottle five times what a single pineapple does.
Florence, one of the agriculture co-op’s members, has been able to increase her standard of living
and send two children to university thanks to her involvement in the co-operative. This is a shining
example of the difference that the CCA is making in
Uganda.
When Christine’s safari expedition was unexpectedly
cancelled, one of her hosts wanted to showcase his
country’s beauty, and made alternate arrangements.
Christine was sent off into the wilderness, where
she went on camping adventures and encountered
monkeys, baboons, warthogs, elephants, giraffes,
hippos, crocodiles, water buffalo, and more!
“It was a wonderful end to my experience
in Uganda,” exclaimed Christine. “The
people, the work of the CCA and the
country’s beauty—I will never forget it.”
Christine Racin
e (left) and
Ingrid Fisher (r
ight)
15
Environmental
Stewardship –
For Your Family
And Ours
In 2009, Alterna began monitoring our consumption in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint.
Since we’d rather leave our mark through our support of people and communities – rather than
contributing to landfills - we implemented a waste reduction and recycling program company-wide.
We also switched to an eco-friendly printing company for our printed material.
Even our coffee cups are ‘green’ – every staff member has a reusable mug for their daily
fair trade java.
16
2010 Sponsorships
and donations
Helping others help others is one of the things we do best at Alterna Savings.
We proudly sponsor community events, organizations and other co-operatives.
With our support, great accomplishments are made in community economic
development, financial literacy, and more.
In 2010, the following organizations were helped by our Corporate Sponsorships
and Donations:
Académie de la danse
$ 2,600.00
Acorn Canada
$ 2,500.00
Aqueta
$ 1,200.00
Buddies in Bad Times $ 3,500.00
Canadian Community Investment Network
(CCINC)
$ 4,250.00
Canadian Worker Coop Federation
$ 1,000.00
Carleton University
$15,000.00
Canadian Co-operative Association
$ 5,000.00
Centre for Social Innovation
$15,000.00
Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto $13,200.00
Canadian Housing Federation of Canada
$ 3,937.50
Covenant House
$ 2,000.00
Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre
$ 2,000.00
École Secondaire Catholique School
$ 100.00
FACE (Family Abuse Crisis Exchange)
$ 1,000.00
Farm Radio International
$ 160.00
Fondation du CSSS de Gatineau
$ 1,340.00
Foodshare
$ 1,200.00
Gary Gillam Award for Corporate Social
Responsibility (Alterna Savings & Central1) $ 1,250.00
Golden Apple Award
(Majic 100 & Alterna Savings) $15,000.00
Hôpital Montfort
$ 250.00
Intelligence Hypothécaire
$ 1,000.00
Learning Enrichment Foundation
$ 5,000.00
Leucan
$ 1,000.00
Maple Wood High School
$
50.00
La Fondation des maladies du cœur
du Québec
$ 250.00
MicroSkills
Maison Mathieu-Froment-Savoie
National Quality Institute
New Beginnings
Ontario Co-operative Association
Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation Ottawa Sri Lankan Musical Fans
Retired Teachers of Ontario Salon de la femme
Scarborough Movies in the Park
Sistering Social Investment Organization (SIO)
Canadian Mental Health Association
& Subway Brunet
Symposium Gatineau en Couleur
The Canadian CED Network
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer
Support Programs Inc. Toronto Business Development Centre
Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative
United Way Campaign
University of Ottawa
Windfall Basics
Wychwood Open Door
Young Social Entrepreneurs of
Canada (YSEC): Equitable Projects
YMCA-YWCA: National Capital Region YWCA: National Capital Region
Women of Distinction
YWCA: Toronto Women of Distinction
$ 5,000.00
$ 9,500.00
$ 2,500.00
$ 500.00
$ 4,884.00
$30,000.00
$ 250.00
$ 500.00
$12,500.00
$ 6,000.00
$ 5,000.00
$ 8,500.00
$ 250.00
$ 750.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 500.00
$ 2,000.00
$ 1,000.00
$10,000.00
$20,000.00
$ 5,000.00
$ 200.00
$ 1,500.00
$10,000.00
$ 1,000.00
$ 3,000.00
Total = $240,621.50
17
Alterna Do it for Dad!
Every June for the last 12 years, Alterna
Savings employees, members, their families
and other participants take over the streets of
Ottawa to “Do it for Dad!”, a 10 km and 5km
Run plus 2 km Family Walk.
Why Do it for Dad!? According to the
Canadian Cancer Society, 45% of men will
develop cancer in their lifetime – our family
members, friends and co-workers.
June 2010’s Alterna
Do it for Dad! Event raised
an astounding $355,000 for
the Ottawa Regional Cancer
Foundation - $31,151 from
Alterna Teams! Proceeds support
prostate cancer research, patient
care, education and capital
needs.
Alterna DIFD
volunteers
18
Staff Fundraisers
Alterna Classic Golf Tournament
Alterna Do It For Dad! Run and
Family Walk United Way Campaign United Way Payroll Giving
Windfall: Wear White for Windfall
$ 29,000.00
$ 31,151.00
$ 27,351.22
$ 25,077.00
$
492.77
Total = $113,071.99
Corporate Fundraising
Staff Volunteer Hours = 636
One of the key
s to the
program’s suc
cess is that
we’re enabling
our youth to
do something
that they’re
passionate ab
out. It’s not
about just get
ting a job – it
’s
about helping
them design
and create a li
fe.
– Learning Enrich
ment Fund
s, as
enerou
g
e
r
a
n
mpaig
s staff
’
a
a
c
n
y
r
e
a
t
Al
ed W
d
0 Unit ff contribute
1
0
2
e
th
a
Our st 10 through
proves.
0
20 in 2 ! Add in the
$52,4
s alone and it’s a
r
e
s
i
a
r
rs,
fund
teer hou ound.
n
u
l
o
v
r
158
n all a
win-wi
Winter Biz Camp
In the winter of 2010, Alterna sponsored a
unique after-school activity for teens, Alterna Biz
Camp. Hosted in partnership with the Learning
Enrichment Foundation, Biz Camp gave 15
youth the opportunity to learn about running
their own business. Over a two-month period,
the participants were educated about marketing,
accounting, business planning and more.
At the end of Biz Camp, the group held a very
successful ‘garage sale’. After just two hours, the
students walked away with a $200 profit and
tons of pride.
New Beginnings – Transforming lives, one family at a time!
In 2010, Alterna sponsored New Beginnings Support Program - a charitable agency devoted to
improving the lives of “in need” women and children. By empowering these women to become more
confident, self-sufficient, career-oriented and employable, New Beginnings not only helps them create
a better life for themselves and their children, but for their communities.
New Beginnings takes a holistic approach to personal development, with the strong belief that simply
having a job isn’t enough. They help people make permanent, long-term changes through support,
coaching and training in order to live a successful, independent life.
19
Community
Alterna Spare Change Program – Because every penny counts
If you’ve ever thrown your spare change in a coffee
tin, you know how quickly it adds up. Alterna
Savings’ Spare Change Program works on the same
principle. The difference is that your spare change
goes toward some great, local causes, where every
penny really does count.
When you sign up to participate in the Spare
Change Program, you’re supporting children,
homelessness, or environmental issues - worthy
causes that are right in your own back yard.
Every month we “sweep” the change in your bank
account into one of three pools of your choice: issues
related to homelessness, environmental sustainability,
or children’s issues. Once a year, our Donations Committee comprised of Alterna Savings’
employees, members and Board of Directors, distribute the funds that have been accumulating
throughout the year to the organizations we’ve selected to support.
It’s a quick, easy way to support beneficial community programs in your neighbourhood.
Project Wildfire/Centre for Social Innovation (Toronto)
We know that our future lies with today’s youth – tomorrow’s political leaders, business executives,
and entrepreneurs. Alterna Savings is proud to support Project Wildfire, a Centre for Social
Innovation initiative supporting social entrepreneurship among Toronto’s diverse, underprivileged
youth. A competition to identify sustainable small businesses that have a high potential for making
change, Project Wildfire combines workshops, financial awards and business mentorship, building
toward a social enterprise movement in the area’s underserved neighbourhoods. To learn more, visit
socialinnovation.ca.
Ottawa Habitat for Humanity
When the Ottawa Habitat for Humanity bought back a home from a previous owner, they knew
the new family wouldn’t fit - squeezing a family of 7 into a home built for a family of 5 was out of
the question. Not only were renovations needed, including finishing the basement, they needed two
more bedrooms. Funds raised from our Spare Change program were earmarked to help with the
retrofit of the home, adding the much-needed space. Visit habitatncr.com for more information.
20
Donations
North Bay Habitat for Humanity
Alterna’s North Bay branch has been a supporter of the local Habitat for Humanity for years. In fact,
a new member at the branch is on the Board of Directors for the North Bay chapter. This has opened
new opportunities for us to help expand the education and leadership of the local Habitat’s group
and sponsors.
We look forward to helping North Bay’s Habitat for Humanity grow and thrive.
Alterna Bank Community Involvement
Our subsidiary, Alterna Bank, also has a big community heart. In fact, through community
involvement in the last year, Alterna Bank has helped raise a total of $80,000 for La maison
Mathieu-Froment-Savoie. A non-profit organization, La maison Mathieu-Froment-Savoie palliative
care facility provides support to terminally ill people and their families in order to make their final
moments memorable and manageable. For more information please visit www.mmfs.org.
Through its year-round hard work, Alterna Bank staff has helped another valuable cause in the community,
Moisson Outaouais, the largest food bank serving the Gatineau area. Stéphane Pleau, Alterna Bank’s
Vice-President, Operations, serves on Moisson Outaouais’ Board of Directors, and is a strong contributor
to the organization’s many needs as they establish a new distribution center to service the region.
Community Donations and Spare Change Program
Canada Agricultural Museum Foundation $ 2,500.00
Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre
$ 2,000.00
Canadian Paraplegic Association
$ 500.00
Common Ground Co-operative
$ 2,500.00
Community Laundry Co-operative
$ 1,400.00
Fondation des Services de Santé d’Aylmer $ 2,000.00
Habitat for Humanity, Ottawa
$ 2,500.00
Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy
$ 500.00
Pass the Torch
$ 2,000.00
Project Wildfire/Centre for Social Innovation $ 2,000.00
Sexual Assault Support Centre
$ 1,500.00
Silent Voice Canada
$ 2,500.00
Soroptimist International Toronto
$ 2,500.00
Working Skills Centre
$ 1,500.00
Wychwood Open Door Drop-in Centre
$ 1,500.00
Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre
$ 2,000.00
Cecil Community Centre
$ 2,000.00
CompuCorps Mentoring
Eagle Centre
FCJ Refugee Centre
Geneva Centre for Autism Foundation
Helping with Furniture
Malton Black Development Association
New Beginnings
North York Harvest Food Bank
PacSac Smiles
Planet in Focus
Scarborough Bluffs Music
Social Planning Council of Ottawa
St Joe’s Women’s Centre
The Ottawa Food Bank
Victoria’s Quilts
West End Food Co-op
$ 2,400.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 2,500.00
$ 1,000.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 910.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 2,160.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 2,000.00
$ 2,000.00
$ 1,000.00
$ 2,000.00
Total = $57,870.00
21
Community Report 2010
When you put your money in a credit union, it moves.
Imagine a gigantic savings and lending circle of
120,000 members spread across Ontario. When one
member deposits funds to save for retirement, those
funds are loaned to another member to get their first
home. So money moves in a circle to benefit everyone.
But it doesn’t stop there. A good portion of the profits
Alterna and its members realize are moved again, from
the credit union to projects that benefit the communities
where members live.
It’s all about connections - between members,
communities and the world.
Call Us
1.877.560.0100
Visit Us
alterna.ca
Toronto
416.252.5621
Alterna Savings
[email protected]
Ottawa
613.560.0100
Alterna Bank
[email protected]
Gatineau
819.595.6980
AS1402E