bank mecu - responsible banking

mecu employees, Jess Jetson and Derek de Vrieze, recently represented mecu on the Credit Union Foundation Australia (CUFA) Leadership Challenge in Fiji.

The Challenge provided an opportunity for the challengers to participate in an international educational learning and physical experience with a preliminary requirement of raising funds which would go directly to CUFA’s support for the development and enhancement of the credit union movement in the Pacific Region.

There were 10 challengers, representing 9 credit unions from Australia and New Zealand. Jess and Derek raised approximately $7,000 which will be used to support the employment of three Fijian people at the Suva office of  Oceanic Confederation of Credit Unions League (OCCUL). OCCUL is  an industry body that organises, supports and represents the credit unions in the South Pacific.

CUFA Fiji Leadership Challenge participants Jess Jetson and Derek de Vrieze at Volivoli Village.

During the leadership challenge, Jess and Derek, kayaked over 65km, around the Fijian islands of  Kadavu, Ono and the uninhabited island of Vurolevu where they camped. En route they visited Vacalea Village and helped locals establish a savings club to assist with building a community hall.

Participants were immersed in traditional Fijian ceremonies, sampling their way of life, food and customs. They had the opportunity to learn about some of the local peoples aspirations, such as a new foot path, a new church, building a community hall and paying for their children’s education, just to name a few.

mecu strongly supports CUFA - the development agency for the Australian Credit Union movement. CUFA has both a domestic and international development focus in its activities. Find out more about CUFA and its work by visiting cufa.com.au