International Credit Union Day Celebrated Worldwide October 19

Madison, WI—Credit unions from around the world will join in solidarity October 19, 2006, to honor the credit union movement's history and achievements.

Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. This year's theme, Credit Unions: Making a World of Difference, reflects the worldwide scope and influence of credit unions. Selected by credit union enthusiasts from around the world, the theme emphasizes the common thread and desire for financial freedom that weaves people together into the international credit union movement. World Council of Credit Unions, Inc., the international trade association and development organization for credit unions based in Madison, Wis., has sponsored International Credit Union Day for over 30 years.

"Credit unions are cooperatives that bring an equal voice and financial freedom to more than 157 million credit union members in 92 countries," World Council CEO Pete Crear said. "From Asia to Afghanistan to Louisiana, credit unions have been there to rebuild, offer hope and provide community support when all other means have failed."

President George W. Bush recently recognized credit unions for their work in the U.S. in honor of ICU Day.

"By providing valuable services and support, credit unions help meet the financial needs of millions of individuals in the United States and around the world," he wrote. "These institutions help men and women increase their financial security and achieve their dreams."

Credit unions from around the world will celebrate the day with activities such as parades, festivals, contests and open houses. Visit World Council's press room online, http://www.woccu.org/press/press_ rel/index.php, to learn more about World Council and the microfinance development work it does through credit unions worldwide.

El Consejo Mundial de Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito es la asociación gremial y agencia de desarrollo para el sistema internacional de cooperativas de ahorro y crédito. El Consejo Mundial promueve el crecimiento sustentable de las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito y otras cooperativas financieras en todo el mundo a fin de facultar a las personas para que mejoren su calidad de vida a través del acceso a servicios financieros asequibles y de alta calidad. El Consejo Mundial realiza esfuerzos de defensa activa en representación del sistema global de las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito ante organizaciones internacionales y trabaja con gobiernos nacionales para mejorar la legislación y la regulación. Sus programas de asistencia técnica introducen nuevas herramientas y tecnologías para fortalecer el desempeño financiero de las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito y profundizar su alcance comunitario.

El Consejo Mundial ha implementado 290 programas de asistencia técnica en 71 países. A nivel mundial, 51,000 cooperativas de ahorro y crédito en 100 países atienden a 196 millones de personas. Obtenga más información sobre el impacto global del Consejo Mundial en www.woccu.org.