July is fast approaching, officially marking the last half of 2012 which is the International Year of Co-operatives.
This year, the International Year of Co-operatives has been declared by the United Nations to highlight the strengths of the co-operative business model in furthering socioeconomic development around the world. Regionally, the Upper Columbia Co-op Council has been celebrating the initiatives of its members, including financial co-operatives like the Nelson & District Credit Union that have a history of caring about the needs of their members and their communities.
In recognition of the International Year of Co-operatives, Canada Day and the 20th anniversary of the Nelson Electric Tramway Society, the local credit union is sponsoring free admission on the streetcar all day on Sunday July 1.
“It’s the long history of this volunteer organization that makes the story of this local street car society so brilliant,” said Tom Atkins of the credit union. “This is the second time we have sponsored this Canada Day free-ride and are proud to support this community of volunteers and offer this opportunity to the visitors and to the residents of Nelson on our nation’s holiday.”
Chris Holland, Nelson Electric Tramway Society director and streetcar conductor adds, “It is organizations such as credit union that help make the Nelson Electric Tramway Society successful. We are extremely appreciative and fortunate for the relationship with such a community partner. This year, the Credit Union has again gone above and beyond by sponsoring the tram on Canada Day so the people of Nelson can ride for free and learn more about its living history.”
More information on these two longstanding community organizations can be found by stopping by the Nelson branch of the credit union or jumping on the streetcar and chatting with one of their friendly conductors.
More information on the Upper Columbia Co-op Council via their website: uccc.coop.