The Ganaraska Financial Credit Union celebrated their 80th anniversary on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Port Hope.
Members of the community came out to help celebrate the momentous occasion at the Credit Union located on Queen Street.
Kathy Foster, Chief Executive Officer said the origins date back to May, 1945 when employees from the Nicolson File factory on Cavan Street opened the business with 67 members and assets just under $1,500.
Currently the Credit Union located in Port Hope and in Cobourg has over 4,100 members with assets of just over $206 million.
“The grassroots of the Credit Union was to give back to their community, be involved with our members and local decisions. All our money that is on deposit stays within our communities and gets lent out in loans, mortgages, to our co-workers, neighbours and corner stores.”
“We like to call it community recycling.”
Alicia Vandine, Executive Director of United Way Northumberland said they are proud members of the Credit Union.
“It really aligns well with the values of Northumberland County, because we too support Northumberland County and try to keep our resources and our investments here.”
“I can tell from first hand experience working with Kathy and her team, any issues that come up we are able to get them resolved quickly. Amazing customer service. And they do a lovely workplace campaign for us. It’s not just empty words – it’s truly about investing back into the community.”
Port Hope Police Constable Tammie Staples who spearheads Tammies Jammies for children in need with new pajamas during the Christmas season said the support from the Credit Union has been “amazing.”
“They’ve done so much for Tammies Jammies. They help out in anyway they can – their amazing and great for the community.”
Lynda Kay who is Chair of the Board of the Ganaraska Credit Union said they’ve had, “tremendous support from the community to be one of the financial institutions of choice.”
A celebration will take place at the Ganaraska Financial Credit Union (57 Albert Street) in Cobourg on May 15, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
