Staff reporter
In these tough economic times, it’s hard to believe that a financial institution would be giving away free money, but that’s exactly point.
In celebration of Credit Union Day, Servus Credit Union branches throughout central Alberta were giving away $10 to anyone who requested it, whether they were members of the credit union or not, with the intent it be passed along to someone less fortunate or simply to spread a little joy around the community.
“In recognition of Credit Union Day, we’ve launched an initiative called Feel Good Ripple, whereby we provide $10 to the public asking them to do something good for somebody and, in turn, asking them to do something good. The $10 is to bring attention to the project,” said Rimbey branch manager Ralph Blyth.
With the thought that it is possible to change the world by starting small, the promotion is designed to create stronger communities through simple gestures and charitable actions by encouraging recipients to do the same.
“My $10 went to a person who had just lost their job and had bills to pay. I know it’s not going to go very far but the thought was there and she was very appreciative of the gesture,” Blyth said, echoing the gesture of another. “It’s early in the day yet and I haven’t talked to a lot of our members but the first person I talked to handed it back to me to donate to the food bank.”
In all, Servus Credit Union committed $200,000 to the promotion, meaning the grassroots initiative saw 20,000 Albertans given the opportunity to share in their good fortune, including many in Rimbey when the branch opened at 9 a.m.
“Ideally it’ll bring a little bit of joy to somebody,” Blyth added. “It’s a tougher time right now so hopefully it’ll help brighten a person’s day.”