What is the Credit Union Advantage?

What are the benefits of joining?
Two words: Membership Advantages!!! Our credit union is different from other financial institutions in that it is owned and democratically controlled by the members. You, the members, shape the future of the credit union by electing fellow members to the board of directors and various committees.

Community Oriented
Sydenham Community Credit Union is proud to be a community oriented credit union, operating since 1957. Member's deposits are invested in the community in personal, agricultural and business loans and mortgages. Helping people and their communities was a founding principle of the credit union movement and is still the prime objective of Sydenham Community Credit Union.
Although Sydenham Community Credit Union is a limited company and operates its own affairs, it is connected with the world wide credit union system. Credit Unions in Ontario are members of Credit Union Central of Ontario (CUCO) which in turn is a member of Credit Union Central of Canada, (CUCC) which is a member of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). Truly a world wide movement.

Competitive Products & Services
In partnership with its members, Sydenham Community Credit Union offers a wide range of competitive products and services which satisfy our members needs. We are continually growing and expanding our products and services providing innovative and convenient solution for our owners ...you the member.

Member Recognition & Appreciation
At Sydenham, we pride ourselves on our ability to build and maintain a high level of personal service with our members. For example it is not uncommon to greet our members by name when they are at our branches.

At Sydenham:
Your business is appreciated and not taken for granted!

Member Financial Success
It is our sincere goal to work with each member towards the achievement of personal financial success. Our experienced, professional staff are available to discuss your financial needs on an individual basis.

What does membership entail?
Membership at Sydenham Community Credit Union is open to everyone. With an initial purchase of 20 shares representing an investment of $100.00 (Youth 10 shares/$50.00) a member is entitled to benefit from all the financial services available.

Mission Statement
Sydenham Community Credit Union is a co-operative financial institution that is rooted in the communities we serve.
We provide high-value products and exceptional service, through this we achieve member loyalty and profitable growth.

Vision Statement
We will be the financial service provider of choice in the communities we serve.

Value statement

In everything we do, we will:
• Treat everyone with respect and fairness.
• Maintain and enhance our financial strength to serve and protect our members’ interests.
• Embrace open and honest communications at all levels.
• Empower and encourage employees to be the best they can be.
• Be responsive and sensitive to the needs of our members’, staff and communities.
• Actively support and give leadership to our communities.
• Support the co-operative movement.
• Embrace the following co-operative values and principles:

  Co-operative Values
  Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their co-operative founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

  Co-operative Principles
  The co-operative principles are the guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.

  Voluntary and Open Membership.
  Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

  Democratic Member Control
  Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.

  Member Economic Participation
  Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative (possible by setting up reserves, part of which at least, would be indivisible), benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

  Autonomy and Independence
  Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If co-operatives enter into agreements with other organizations including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.

  Education, Training and Information
  Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees to enable them to contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

  Co-operation Among Cooperatives
  Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

  Concern for Community
  Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.