HISTORY AND FUTURE OF CREDIT UNIONS WITH RICHARD SCHWAN
President Al Hoeft gonged the bell and 12:05ish and invited us to stand, as he led us in singing our National Anthem. He followed this by sharing our Land Acknowledge-ment Statement, which he connected to Rotary's commitment to peace and justice as reflected in the Mission, Vision and Values of Rotary and supported by Rotary's Four Way Test and our motto of Service Above Self. Ann Grahame was invited to share Words of Wisdom which she credited to Socrates and suggested these prophetic words were equally applicable in 2025. Having covered the introductory aspects of the meeting the President directed attention to the buffet table prepared for the fortunate people in the Delta. He wisely avoided a buffet stampede and directed select tables to be 1st, 2nd and 3rd, and it was good.
Sufficiently suffonsified, diners were invited to direct their attention to the presentation by our Guest Speaker Richard Schwan. President Al did a good a fine job of introducing Richard, which in itself was a presentation describing a successful person who is a leader within his profession, in the organisation he serves, and includes the community in which he lives where he finds participatory and leadership service opportunities. Welcome, Richard Schwan.
Richard divided his presentation into what he referred to as three Acts. First a bit of Credit Union History; Second the Key differences between Banks and Credit Unions; and, Third a Quiz - which might not have anything to do with what he said.
Act 1 From Richard we learned the first successful credit union in Canada, was started at Levis, Québec, in 1900 by Alphonse Desjardins. The movement did not spread out of Quebec into the rest of Canada until the 1930’s. This was during the Great Depression and Western Canada was not "Bank friendly" in part because of the corporate structure of banks and their loan shark imagery. Credit Unions grew out of a community need and a trust in local community solidarity. The first Affinity Credit Union was created in Muenster Saskatchewan in 1937, organised by a group of farmers. The Credit Union structure spread across the Prairies in the 1940s and by 1944 there were Credit Unions across Canada. Credit Unions attracted a broad range of clients because it was founded on this commitment to cooperation, community and mutual aid. Its process is a testament to the value of being socially responsible.
Act 2 The similarities of Banks and Credit Unions is that they help people financially and contribute to individual and corporate success. The difference between Banks and Credit Unions is related to the profit structure, membership requirements and accessibility. This can be summarized in seven key areas: i) Credit Unions offer lower interest rates; ii) Credit Unions have members, Banks have customers; iii) Credit Unions are not-for profit and share profits with members; iv) Banks are for profit and don’t share profits with customers; v) Credit Unions are Community Focused; vi) Banks are federally regulated, whereas Credit Unions are Provincially regulated; vii) Credit Unions offer free Financial education; and, ix) 'Credit Union employees are just like you'.
Act 3 A really interesting Quiz in which Richard raised a Credit Union Question and shared four possible responses. At the Delta, Table 1 was seemingly wiser that 2 and 3. But at the end we were all wiser and are proud of, and thankful for, our Affinity Connection.
Thank you Richard Schwan for sharing the Credit Union Story.
OUR FOUNDATION
Regularly our Clubs Rotary Foundation Director, Gail Bradley, reports to the Club on donations Club members, have made to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), which fund service projects that change lives – both close to home and around the World.
Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, lives were enhanced in Regina and around the world. TRF's Mission is to assist Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
Today Regina Eastview Honourary Member, Major Foundation Donor, and Past President Leo Ell, joined the meeting via ZOOM and was recognized for his 55 years of Rotary Service to the Regina Community and World. Leo joined Rotary in February 1970, during the RI Presidency of James F. Conway, of Rockville Center, New York, USA, who choose as Rotary's Theme Review and Renew. This theme challenged Rotarians, then as now, to remember where we've been and what we did, and envision how this needs to be adjusted as we move forward. Having had the privilege of walking Rotary with Leo for the past 43 years that has been his theme all along. 55 years of making a difference. You make us proud.
Toshi Shinmura was called to the podium where President Al presented Toshi with a pin to recognize 5 years of Service through the Rotary of Regina Eastview - an appreciated 5 years - thank you for sharing your time and commitment;
Then Richard Schwan was called up and on behalf of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, President Al presented Richard with Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) + 8 Pin, recognizing Richard's worthy donations to the TRF;
Congratulations, Gentlemen, we are honoured to be in your company.
Toshi Shinmura, 5 year Pin Recipient
from President Al Hoeft
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Visiting Rotarians and former Rotarians in the room at one time;
'Tip of the hat' to Shannon Windrim and Doug Mortin for serving at the reception desk, and to Peter Neufeldt and Al Hoeft, whose combined talent looked after the technology aspect of our gathering;
We appreciated the presence and participation of the eight Rotarian on ZOOM - thank you for sharing this time with the Delta participants;
A special welcome to Peter White who has just moved to Regina and is looking for a new Rotary Home - Peter Neufeldt and Peter Peters, made a special point of extending the welcoming hand of Rotary
Hope to see you at the Fellowship gathering - enjoy this taste of spring.
You Can Never Have to Many "Peter's"!
(L to R) Peters, White & Neufeldt
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"True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing."
Socrates
Today's guests
It was great to welcome Regina Eastview member and Past President, Richard Schwan, our Guest Speaker. In addition it was good to have Visiting Rotarians Bill Fitzsimmons (Calgary West), Peter White (RC of Hampton, RID 7815 New Brunswick), Al Goudie (RC of Regina), Bob Durston (RC of Neepawa) and former Regina Eastviewian, Louis Browne.
Next Meeting Responsibilities
Information on the March 13th ZOOM meeting will be disclosed in the coming days.
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