A new campaign from the Credit Unions of Ontario encourages Ontarians to think about how they bank and consider credit unions as an economically viable and socially meaningful alternative to traditional banking options.

The campaign, which includes ads on television and the web, as well as a refreshed social media presence, is designed to change the perceptions and attitudes Ontarians have towards credit unions, while educating them about the many benefits of this alternative form of banking.

“The Credit Unions of Ontario are excited to show Ontarians just what a great banking alternative we are. After all, we do great things to help our Members and the communities where we all live,” said Stephen Bolton, President and CEO of Libro Credit Union, speaking on behalf of the Credit Unions of Ontario.

“We answer to Main Street, not Wall Street. While we do make profits, we pride ourselves in putting them back into the communities we serve to do good things for everyone,” said Bolton. “It’s at the core of what we do — banking with a higher purpose.”

Awareness of credit unions in Ontario is low. In fact, a recent survey commissioned by the Credit Unions of Ontario revealed that only one in five Ontarians (19 per cent) named a credit union when asked about financial institutions they are aware of. When probed, only one third (36 per cent) of respondents understand the types of services credit unions offer, how they function and how they differ from other financial institutions.

“Credit unions have taken home the Ipsos Best Banking Award for overall Customer Service Excellence for nine consecutive years, yet our survey shows that we are still the best-kept financial services secret in Ontario,” said Bolton. “We intend to change that by showing Ontarians that we represent a great banking choice.”

For more information about the Credit Unions of Ontario and co-operative banking, visit cooperativebanking.ca.

The Credit Unions of Ontario provide a full range of financial products and services to 1.4 million members, both individuals and organizations, across Ontario.