Randy Evans and her son Jonathan have a new dog named Odin. They stopped by the Jacksonville Humane Society to pick him out and were excited to begin helping their fluffy friend adjust to his new home. Jillian Perry and Laura Breton also have a new pet and planned to pick out a name once they get to know the cute cat a little bit better.
The two animals were among the many that were adopted for free and went home to loving families on Thursday, as VyStar Credit Union celebrated the 75th International Credit Union Day® by sponsoring free pet adoptions. In honor of the day, VyStar joined forces with local community partners and collaborated with global organizations — all in an effort to build on our purpose to Do Good.
Sponsoring pet adoptions at the Jacksonville Humane Society has become a tradition for VyStar. The longstanding partnership between the two organizations includes volunteer activations where VyStar employees spend time walking dogs and doing other necessary tasks at the shelter. As part of International Credit Union Day®, VyStar covered the cost of adoptions for up to 75 dogs and cats.
In Central Florida, International Credit Union Day® was just as big. That's where volunteers sorted over 4,500 books collected during the VyStar and WUCF Super Readers Book Drive in September. The books were collected at 19 VyStar locations across nine counties in the region. These books are being prepared for delivery to the main Head Start offices.
And in Georgia, dedicated VyStar volunteers assisted the Atlanta Community Food Bank's Community Food Center by sorting and packing food donations at the Marietta location. Since the beginning of 2023, VyStar volunteers have generously donated a total of 18,000 hours across the communities the credit union serves.
Offering Support Around the World
International Credit Union Day®, which has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948, recognizes the credit union movement’s history, achievements and hard work in support of credit union members. VyStar is proud to be part of the international community of credit unions, which supports members looking to achieve their financial goals. There’s also a major emphasis on bridging the financial gap for underserved populations, enhancing financial empowerment, promoting gender equality and making communities more resilient. Some of the global organizations VyStar is proud to collaborate with to accomplish those initiatives include the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions.
VyStar’s dedication to credit unions globally is also demonstrated through fundraising efforts for the credit union system in Ukraine impacted by the ongoing conflict to benefit both employees and members in that country. Additionally, VyStar and its employees donated to the Credit Union Aid Fund, providing financial support to credit unions and their employees in Maui following the devastating fires.
“As we mark the 75th International Credit Union Day®, we recognize the pivotal role that credit unions play in supporting the financial well-being of their communities,” said Brian Wolfburg, President/CEO VyStar Credit Union. “These efforts speak to the fundamental value that credit unions provide with a focus on people and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. We are honored to join our fellow credit unions around the world in celebrating this milestone, and to redouble our efforts to Do Good in every community we call home.”
In line with this commitment, VyStar is introducing a new role called the Management Development Program Associate. This position will offer valuable experience, including the opportunity to work with the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions in their Global Bridges program. Through this program, associates will gain insight into how credit unions operate globally and bring back best practices to VyStar.
Credit unions were built on the principle of “people helping people.” That sentiment is true all year, but International Credit Union Day® is a time to come together to make closer bonds.
About the Author
Joe Daraskevich is a Writer & Content Creator at VyStar. He previously worked at the Florida Times-Union as a reporter from 2010-2018 before joining WOKV 104.5 FM as the afternoon news anchor and assistant news director from 2018-2022. He graduated from the University of North Florida and lives in Jacksonville.