Spring 2008

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What makes us different makes a difference Anniversary A Century of Cooperation

After serving the financial needs of our members for 100 years, it’s not surprising that ours is a long and colourful story. In this edition, we feature an article about our founder, Alphonse Desjardins, which illustrates his dream and journey to establish the movement in . See page 5

Alterna’s Mortgage inside : 2 AGM Updates Made Simple 6 Alterna in the Community

You never have to negotiate for our best rate. 8 Small Business Solutions

For more information see page 3

Do you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically? Email [email protected] A Century of Co-operation From Your AGM Over 325 members and guests Board Chair attended this year’s Alterna Earl Campbell Savings Annual General Meeting Where have the last three years gone? (AGM) on April 21, 2008. For the second year, this was a carbon- It is difficult to believe that we became Alterna Savings on April 1, 2005, just 3 years ago. A great deal of neutral event. Attendees celebrated change has occurred in our credit union since the merger of our two successful organizations. As I conclude the credit union’s 100 years of the maximum three year term for a Chair at Alterna Savings, I want to express my appreciation to our co-operation in the community members for the faith they have shown in the Board members and to the staff who have managed The Alterna with cake and the presentation Group through this challenging and exciting transition. of a commemorative video It has been a real honour and privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board. I have the highest regard for the (now available at alterna.ca). group of members who you have chosen to be Directors and stewards of your credit union. The Directors They also enjoyed a Community have worked well together and I know that the Board is in good hands. Information Fair, refreshments and, most importantly, had a As Chair, I had the pleasure of working closely with Alterna’s new President and CEO and the members of the chance to have their say in Senior Management Team. Under the direction of John Lahey, we have a group of committed, confident and competent leaders who will ensure the future success of The Alterna Group. the future of their financial co-operative. I look forward to continuing to serve as a Board member during the next few years; I will make every effort to ensure that Alterna continues to be the leader of co-operative and stays true to our vision, Seminar – Why Choose Socially mission and values. Responsible Investing (SRI)? Brian Barsness, Vice President Our members are Alterna’s greatest asset and our hope for continued success in an ever changing financial and Gary Hawton, CEO, both environment. from Meritas Mutual Funds, presented this seminar in and . They reviewed a Best wishes, number of reasons why people choose to invest in a socially responsible manner and explained how SRI can fit into your existing Earl Campbell portfolio. This seminar was very Chair, Alterna Savings informative and well received [email protected] by attendees. Voting Members were invited to vote online in advance of the AGM and 999 of them took advantage From Your of the opportunity to have input into our democratic process. One hundred and fifty-six more President & CEO members voted at the AGM John Lahey on the director election. The first quarter of 2008 was a very busy one for us at Alterna. Your Board of Directors We thank all eleven candidates At the beginning of the year, Alterna was approached with a unique opportunity. Because of our leadership in for their interest in serving on community investment programs, I was invited to represent Alterna in the Prince of Wales’ “Seeing is our Board of Directors. Donald Believing” tour. Along with representatives from (Vancouver) and Aeroplan (Montreal), Altman, Bill Burleigh, Earl we met with Prince Charles and key business leaders in London, England. Part of an initiative brought to Campbell and Richard Neville Canada by the Canadian Business for Social Responsibility, we shared insights and knowledge about have been re-elected and Faren responsible business practices in the community. Bogach and Theresa Kavanagh We also announced that Francine Dick is Alterna’s first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Idol. The CSR have joined the Board. In the next Idol is an Alterna employee, selected by our members for her dedication to the community. Later this year, edition of our newsletter, you will Francine will travel with the Canadian Co-operative Association to the Phillipines to share her knowledge and be hearing from our new Board experience with local credit union leaders. You can read more about Francine’s current involvement in her Chair. The composition of our community on page 6 of this newsletter. Board Committees is available Alterna’s first Corporate Social Responsibility Accountability Report (2006 – 2007) has also been published. at alterna.ca. It describes our activities in relation to our social responsibility commitments and values including a report on By-Law Changes our social, environmental and financial performance to our members, clients and to the communities we serve. I invite you to review that report, along with our Annual Report and our Community Report to learn more Members voted in favor of the about your credit union. These are available at alterna.ca. proposed by-law amendment which changes the word “shall” If you missed the AGM this year, you may be interested in reading the Board and President & CEO reports to “may” in section 5.02 of the posted on our website. Hopefully, these reports will provide you with a better understanding of Alterna’s by-law, thus removing the direction and strategy. obligation to have an Executive Please keep an eye out for more information about upcoming 100th anniversary celebrations in your area. Committee. The Board would like the option to replace the Executive Committee with a Sincerely, Governance Committee, which is currently the trend within credit unions. Responses to questions asked John Lahey but not answered due to time President & CEO constraints at the AGM are Alterna Savings and now available on our website [email protected] at alterna.ca

2 ALTERNA SAVINGS What makes us different makes a difference

Alterna’s Mortgage Made Simple

Always get our best rate right Your rate is guaranteed. Buying a (applicable to Alterna Savings) happy to work with you one on from the start – no negotiating home is a very exciting time. can also be a lifesaver if the one and find the right mortgage required. We offer our most Don’t let stress or pressure get unexpected should occur. for you. competitive rates to all members the best of you. We’ll help you Find the mortgage that fits And you also benefit from and clients at all times. Home get into your new home when your lifestyle. Closed mortgages personalized service, expert buying is complicated enough: you are ready. offer predictable payments, open advice, and a commitment to you deserve a great rate from the Get the flexibility you need, mortgages offer flexibility, multi- your community where moment you pick up the phone with payment options that fit option mortgages manage all approximately 85 cents of every or walk through our doors. your schedule. You can pay at your credit needs and custom dollar is re-invested back into At Alterna, we don’t expect you to your pace with monthly, weekly, mortgages cater to your small Alterna’s local communities. negotiate for a great rate. As a or accelerated payments, and use and medium-sized business. This That is the Alterna difference. valued member and client, you pre-payments to shorten your includes our “Business for Self get it automatically. Contact your Alterna home mortgage term by up to 20%. Mortgage” with special options buying expert today: Take your time with our 90 day These built-in, flexible options for small and medium-sized rate guarantee. This means that help you reduce your principal business owners. We have variable Toll free: 1.877.560.0100 you can take a breath and relax as to become mortgage-free sooner. and fixed mortgages too. Our Toronto: 416.252.5621 you shop for your new home. Our ‘skip a payment’ feature home buying experts will be Ottawa: 613.560.0100 Gatineau: 819.595.6980

Mortgage Insurance: your financial safety net A home is a very exciting purchase. For many of us, our home • Critical illness insurance pays the outstanding insured amount represents one of the most important investments we will ever make. if you are diagnosed with cancer, suffer a heart attack or stroke. Unfortunately, every year, many Canadians will lose their homes Without coverage, a serious illness could mean using your savings due to the illness or death of a loved one. The good news is that it for mortgage payments. is preventable. • Sickness and accident insurance pays your insured monthly mortgage CUMIS Insurance Group Mortgage Protection can be an incredible tool payment for up to two years. With this protection, you can feel to keep your financial safety net intact. Unforeseen events disrupt our confident that years of saving and building wealth are not lost during lives; the right insurance product with the correct amount of coverage a few short months of sickness or while you recover from an accident. can ensure your family continues to enjoy financial security even if • Loss of employment insurance pays your insured monthly mortgage your income is interrupted -- or worse, stops, because of a job loss, payment for up to nine months, does not impact your unemployment sickness/accident, critical illness, or death. insurance and keeps your savings from being lost. These payments There are four types of coverage that make up CUMIS Insurance Group are tax-free. Mortgage Protection and each one provides unique protection for all of life's unforeseen situations: A CUMIS Insurance Group Mortgage Protection application is generally quite simple. We all work hard for our home -- to lose it • Life insurance coverage pays the outstanding insured amount of would be devastating. your mortgage in the event of your death. It frees your family from mortgage payments, which can save them from years of debt and Talk to your lender about adding CUMIS Insurance Group financial stress. Mortgage Protection to your mortgage; it could be one of the smartest decisions you have ever made.

NEWS AND TIPS 3 Notice of Change Personal Accounts Business Accounts THE EXCHANGE ® $3.00 $3.00 (US), CO-OP Network ® (US) in Service Fees – And Cirrus (US) withdrawals Cirrus (International) $5.00 $5.00 Foreign currency cheques drawn $15.00 $15.00 Effective June 1, 2008 on Canadian dollar accounts Periodically, we review our service fees to ensure that Alterna Savings and NSF cheque $40.00 $40.00 Alterna Bank offer members and clients a reasonable fee structure that is Stop Payments (with full details) $12.00 $12.00 competitive while ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the credit union. In some cases, we were able to lower our fees to reflect reduced costs to Municipal Property Tax Payment Cost Cost the credit union from our suppliers; in others, we have chosen to raise Transfer of a registered plan $50.00 n/a the fee particularly in instances that generate more manual work (which to another institution is costly) and / or are punitive in nature (such as NSF charges). In- Deposit (Transaction) Fee n/a $1.00 Some fees will change effective June 1, 2008 In-Branch Cash (bills and coin) n/a $2.00/$1000* Personal Accounts: There is no fee increase to day-to-day transactions, Deposits per $1000 the services our members use the most. You also save on U.S. ABM Miscellaneous Letters n/a $30 / hour or withdrawal fees. $11.50 / min

Business Accounts: The in-branch deposit transaction fee decreases * Business banking packages (except Business Pay-As-You-Go) include one in-branch cash deposit of up to to $1 and a new in-branch cash deposit fee of $2/$1000 applies.* $1000 per day. Additional daily deposits of over $1000 cash are subject to the “in-branch cash deposit (transaction) fee” of $2. Our complete list of service fees is available from your branch or at alterna.ca Your Alterna Savings Malton branch is moving to a new location close by

For Malton Branch members, the Bramalea Community Banking Centre offers longer hours, full financial planning, services for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, ample parking and a 24-hour drive- through ABM. There is an Alterna ABM in close proximity to the Malton branch. Members can obtain account balances and make withdrawals for no additional fee at 165 Attwell Drive, approximately 6 kilometres away. They can also conduct ABM transactions surcharge-free (including deposits) through The Exchange Network® ABMs (a 14 day hold on deposits applies). The two closest are 170 Attwell Drive (HSBC Bank Canada) and 2150 Steeles Avenue East (Twin Oak Credit Union). Velma Jagroop, Bramalea Branch Manager has been a member of Alterna Savings for 20 years. She welcomes all new members and employees: "We are looking forward to offering our services to more members.

Alterna Savings Bramalea Community Banking Centre Those who visit this Centre for the first time are often impressed by our member lounge, coffee bar, Internet access, kids play area with video On June 13, 2008, the Malton Branch is relocating to 2909 Queen games and, most importantly, our friendly service. I am sure that our Street East at Airport Road in Brampton, just 7 km away. Malton members will feel right at home because some employees from After careful consideration of the impact to our Malton members, we their former branch will be able to serve their banking needs from the have determined that we will be better able to serve you from this new new location”. location. The Bramalea Community Banking Centre has all the tools and Join us on June 27, 2008 when the Bramalea Community Banking staff to meet your financial needs. Centre will host a welcome reception for members and many employees of the Malton Branch. Attention former Metro Credit Union members: Dave Smith Auction Please update your ABM card. Alterna Savings was pleased to be the Presenting Sponsor for the Eighth Annual Dave’s Ultimate Auction in support of The Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre. This event was held on March 6th, 2008 and was The next time you visit your branch, your hosted by A-Channel television personality Annette Goerner. Guests at Member Service Representative may offer the Hampton Inn Ottawa & Conference Centre were entertained during you a new ABM card. dinner by Upside Blue and the Canterbury High School Dance troupe. If your existing ABM card has the The auction portion of the evening was a tremendous success, with PLUS logo on the back, it must be replaced for compliance reasons. Dave Smith himself as auctioneer, enthusiastically encouraging the over Rest assured, your existing card 250 guests to bid on 300 live and silent auction items. The Ottawa will continue to work until community once again showed their overwhelming support, bringing in further notice. close to $68,000.00 for our community’s troubled youth who are battling drug and alcohol addiction. Your new card will list all the ABM networks you have access to including: The funds raised through the annual Dave’s Ultimate Auction will aid THE EXCHANGE+, +, CO-OP in the Centre’s continuation of critical services and school based Network+ and CIRRUS+. programs for youth and their families who are struggling with substance abuse issues.

+Alterna Savings authorized user of the trademarks.

4 IN YOUR COMMUNITY Gabriel-Alphonse Desjardins - Founder of the Credit Union Movement

disturbed and became more aware reworded version of the 1902 power and the many abuses of than ever of the gaps in the way Agricultural Syndicates’ capitalism, and he stressed their credit was organized. Small Act, and would logically have isolation and lack of economic borrowers had almost no access to required repeal of that law. organization. By joining together ordinary banks. How could they be The government wanted time to to form cooperative enterprises, kept from having to turn, in their examine the question thoroughly, workers and small producers would need for a , to money lenders and the session ended before a be best able to defend their who often had no hesitation in decision was taken. financial interests. He associated exploiting them? This question Desjardins and his wife, Dorimène, cooperation with the ideals of would not go away. were deeply disappointed. Since democratization and economic He spent several months trying 1903 she had served as manager of decentralization.

Gabriel-Alphonse Desjardins to assess the merits of the diverse the caisse in Lévis whenever he was The caisse populaire was no models of credit cooperatives. in Ottawa. It now had more than ordinary financial enterprise. Alphonse Desjardins, founder Taking into account the economic, $40,000 in assets, and she worried Desjardins defined it as a social of our credit union, was born social, and cultural differences more and more about their personal undertaking in the sense of the in 1854 in Lévis, Quebec. between Canada and Europe, he responsibility in the absence of church’s teachings on society, an Throughout his life, he took a opted for a new model largely legal protection. Desjardins had entity the parish elite ought to keen interest in defending the based on European rules of also organized three other caisses, encourage in order to improve the financial interests of small organization. He recruited in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Pointe-de- material and spiritual conditions of producers and the ‘common colleagues who helped him to draft Lévy, Hull, and Saint-Malo, Que., the common people. people’. As you will see in this a constitution and by-laws to set up which were in the same unfortunate Thanks to all this support, the article from the Dictionary of his savings and loan cooperative. situation. The couple were clearly caisses populaires became more and Canadian Biography Online, The Caisse Populaire de Lévis was on the verge of despair. In May, more widely known. Desjardins the road towards the founded on December 6, 1900. Desjardins even confided to a priest said he was swamped by requests establishment of financial It was defined as a cooperative at the Collège de Lévis that he was from people who wanted to co-operatives in Canada was savings and loan society with thinking of liquidating everything. organize a caisse in their parish. not an easy one. limited liability and fluctuating The proposed Quebec Syndicates’ From 1907 to 1915 he founded no capital which permitted members Act, passed unanimously in March fewer than 136. He also made an Desjardins was active in the to demand a refund of their five 1906, received royal assent four effort to supervise their operations, Conservative party. During the dollar share at any time with due days later. It was truly a victory for and to that end he corresponded federal election of 1878 he served notice. The essential function of Desjardins. At last, he wrote, “the regularly with many managers. as secretary to its central committee the caisse was to extend to work can take off . . . , assert itself, He accomplished all this in his in Lévis and participated in members using their collective and stop living in the shadows.” spare time, with no financial campaigning. His professional savings. While it provided easier This statute also made the caisse assistance whatsoever. He founded experience and political access to credit, it sought also to populaire the basic model on which 18 caisses populaires in commitment earned him the develop habits of thrift and foresight. savings and loan cooperatives would between 1910 and 1913, in position of recorder of debates at Desjardins believed more strongly henceforth be organized in Quebec. addition to helping organize a the Quebec Legislative Assembly. than ever in the ideal he had Desjardins did not abandon his caisse d’économie in 1908 for Later on, he launched L’Union pursued since the beginning: goal of a federal law, however. federal civil servants in Ottawa. canadienne, a daily in which he “to create a vast network of On April 23, 1906, the federal As early as 1908, the fame of the supported the program of the caisses populaires.” Conservative party introduced a caisses populaires had spread federal Conservative party and on Desjardins took the first steps bill drafted by Desjardins. The beyond the borders of Canada. April 22, 1892 the Conservative towards getting the federal Act respecting industrial and Desjardins received many American government in Ottawa appointed parliament to provide a legal co-operative societies was adopted visitors, and requests for him French-language stenographer framework for the operation of unanimously by the commons information kept flooding in. for the House of Commons. caisses populaires. He already had on March 6, 1908. On July 15, He would hold this position In 1914 Desjardins began to feel some support. However, the breaking with custom, the Senate until he retired in 1917. the first symptoms of the uraemia minister of finance thought blocked it, on the grounds that it that would frequently force him Desjardins was not one to be caisses populaires came under would infringe on the powers of during the last six years of his life satisfied with the routines of a provincial jurisdiction because, the provinces. Clearly many into convalescence between brief civil servant. Attentive listening strictly speaking, they were merely senators did not share this view, periods of remission. to parliamentary debates set him local organizations and were not in since the legislation was defeated thinking and asking himself the banking business. In 1904 by a single vote. Some of its Although it remained unfinished, questions about the country’s Desjardins tried in vain to make opponents were under pressure the work of Alphonse Desjardins social and economic problems. him change his mind. He had no from the Retail Merchants’ aroused admiration, and many of his contemporaries had been able A bill to prevent usurious practices, greater success with the prime Association of Canada, which to grasp its full social and economic introduced in the House of minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier. objected to it because it would significance. La Vérité saw it as Commons on April 6, 1897 have allowed the creation of In desperation, Desjardins turned “a heritage whose value cannot yet cited the case of a Montreal man potential competitors. to the provincial government. be estimated.” L’Action catholique sentenced to pay interest charges In March 1905 he submitted to Desjardins observed that the saluted their founder as “one of the of $5,000 on an initial loan of the attorney general a bill he had common people were victims of great benefactors of his race.” $150. Desjardins was deeply drafted but the bill was just a the concentration of economic

Excerpt from: The Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online, Library and Archives Canada. Article: Desjardins, Alphonse by Pierre Poulin and Guy Bélanger.

Today, thousands of Canadians are member-owners of credit unions. And much like 100 years ago, when the credit union movement was just beginning, many groups of people are underserved by the traditional banking network. Alterna and others like us are attempting to reach-out to some of these groups and provide them with access to banking at a reasonable cost and through a democratic way.

IN YOUR COMMUNITY 5 of 10 friends, family members or Do it for Dad coworkers to engage in some extra friendly competition? The teams June 15, 2008 who raise the most pledges are eligible for great prizes. And if you need another incentive, remember that once you cross the finish line, you can enjoy a free pancake breakfast! Alterna Supports Last year, this event attracted over 1,500 participants including 51 New Social teams. They collected over $210,000 – bringing the total amount raised since the event’s inception to over $1 million raised Enterprise Program For the 10th consecutive year, through our association with the Alterna sponsors one of its biggest Ottawa Regional Cancer fund raising events. On June 15, Foundation and the Prostate Alterna is excited to join a group of progressive funders for the launch 2008, we invite you to take part in Cancer Association of Ottawa. of Enterprising Non-Profits Toronto (ENP-TO), an initiative to seed the annual Alterna “Do it for Dad” To take part, visit alternadifd.ca. and support social enterprise in the Greater Toronto Area. ENP-TO Run and Family Walk in Ottawa. is based on the successful BC-based ENP Program and will provide Here’s a great way to celebrate One in three men will be at high grants of up to $10,000 to non-profit organizations to help them Fathers’ Day: get up, get active risk of prostate cancer, even while their health is otherwise excellent. start and grow social enterprises. The funding can be used to access and make a difference by being part of this family-friendly, fun- support at any stage along the social enterprise development path, Prostate cancer is a frequently filled event to raise funds to fight including opportunity identification, feasibility research, business diagnosed cancer and is the second prostate cancer. leading cause of cancer deaths for planning, launch preparation, scaling, and evaluation. The event cannot happen without Canadian men. For more information about the program and how you can apply, you. Join the 5 or 10 km timed It is an easily diagnosed cancer visit socialinnovation.ca run or choose the 2 km Family and, if caught early, can be treated Walk. To make it even more effectively to ensure a longer and interesting, why not get a group better quality of life.

standing member of several Gary Gillam co-operative and charitable CSR Idol Award Winner organizations and has previously been recognized with many Alterna Reveals its Award awards for his outstanding Corporate Social contributions to the cooperative Responsibility Idol, movement. in partnership with the Canadian Co-operative Jim’s work extends beyond the Association province and Canada. He worked (www.coopscanada.coop) abroad in both Ghana and later in the Tsunami-stricken area of This year’s Corporate Social Sri Lanka where 400 credit unions Responsibility (CSR) Idol was were destroyed. His subsequent announced at the 2008 efforts to raise funds for Alterna Savings AGM. international causes have raised With just over 500 the bar for future generations.

employees, Alterna has a Jim Barr with Mary-Lu Brennan, Director, Alterna Savings Board In a second journey to Sri Lanka tremendous talent pool a year after the Tsunami, Jim saw of local residents who care and dedicate time and effort to improve our Each year, the Gary Gillam Award first-hand that the donations communities. Earlier this year, an esteemed panel of judges selected the for Social Responsibility, sponsored made by co-operatives and credit top three candidates from nominations submitted by Alterna employees. by Credit Union Central of Ontario unions internationally had indeed Over 1020 members voted in advance of the AGM and we are pleased and Alterna Savings, recognizes made a difference and some new to announce that, later this year, Francine Dick, Estate Planning / Ontario credit union members credit unions had been built. who demonstrate exemplary Insurance Specialist in the Financial Advisory Services Department Throughout his career, Jim achievements in promoting credit will travel with the Canadian Co-operative Association to work with continually took a leading role unions as socially responsible a co-operative in the Philippines and share knowledge and experience. in relief efforts when natural alternatives to banks and enablers disasters or tragedies struck Francine’s co-workers describe her as “the definition of community”. of community economic anywhere in the world. Not only Francine has served as Chair of the Parkdale Collegiate Institute’s development. Gary Gillam was did he spearhead donation efforts School Advisory Council and has organized council business meetings the former CEO of Unicoll Credit at the CUMIS Group, through his to include a series of mini forums for parents. Francine is also very Union until his death in 1993. active in the Jewish Community where she conducts services for passionate and numerous children and a Passover Seder that attracts 60 to 70 people. She has Congratulations to Jim Barr, presentations, he also encouraged also coached rookie ball and leads hikes throughout southern Ontario this year’s Gary Gillam Award other co-operatives and credit for an outdoor club. recipient. His promotion of credit unions to donate. unions and co-operatives as Jim has chosen to divide the Francine is very honoured to have been selected to represent Alterna socially responsible organizations $2,500 award into three and she wishes to thank all those who nominated and voted for her. is legendary. No doubt, her entrepreneurial spirit and sales and marketing knowledge donations, one part each to the will be of value to others and make a difference in their lives. Veteran co-operator, Jim recently Ontario Credit Union Charitable retired after enjoying a life-long Foundation, the Co-operative Upon Francine’s return, a presentation will be developed so that you career with the CUMIS Group Development Foundation and can have a glimpse of what she saw and the impact that this journey where he was Senior Vice President, the United Way of Burlington had on her. The other two nominees, Jill Henry and Cathy McLeod Corporate Relations & Corporate and Greater Hamilton. will have the opportunity to participate in a local volunteer project. Secretary. Jim was also a long-

6 IN YOUR COMMUNITY destroyed. Recognizing that there local markets. Many buy goats is no room to grow crops or raise and chickens or sell oil and seed. livestock, the camp's proximity to All are working hard and take the water holes and trading villages responsibility of the collective makes the hope for survival seriously. plausible. Men are reaping the financial Regardless of their reasons, rewards of their wives' determination thousands -- from among the and community building. This is 1.9 million who were displaced -- resulting in an increased perceived remain in the camps. The societal value of women. Watching their impact of the urbanization of mothers in action has, in turn, Northern Uganda on people is helped daughters redefine who they immense. The impact of peace are. Children are being fed and on the Northern Uganda people educated. A corner is being turned. An African Pearl is immeasurable. In Canada, Credit Unions add The Kitgum SACCO (Savings value to the communities they In March 2008, Kimberley Ney, Alterna's Senior VP Marketing, and Credit Co-operative) has serve. In Northern Uganda the Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, took part in a deliberately and physically Kitgum SACCO transforms lives. three-week assignment to assist credit unions in Uganda. Sponsored by positioned itself to help those The men and women of Northern the Canadian Co-operative Association, the purpose of this mission was to who have been displaced and Uganda, the oppressed of the help credit unions in Uganda to become successful engines of development those who live in the regions most oppressed, are being empowered in their communities. Kimberley recounts her experience below. devastated by more than 21 years through their own efforts. of civil war. I thank the Board and Management Many times, the first and only of the Kitgum SACCO for In regions of Northern Uganda, Once you look beyond their financial institution in the reminding me of the power of many people live in small mud bloated and extended bellies, community, the Kitgum SACCO is co-operation. Your members' huts with thatched roofs. Gathered the children are curious but shy, building the trust of the people. It tragic stories touched my heart. for protection in the "internally excited; ...their eyes are smiling. is creating a vision for the people. Your faith in the human spirit is displaced persons" -- or "IDP They are everywhere. Many are inspirational. camps", thousands of souls wake being fed by the community: they The SACCO's micro-lending each day among the rows and rows are the recipients of leftovers from programs are helping some 18,000 And on behalf of the Canadian of primitive shelters. A community an already meager table. Parents members rebuild their lives. Through Co-operative Development surrounded with barbed wire fences. long gone, murder and disease have the work and facilitation of the Foundation, I want to thank the robbed them of their childhood. dedicated board, management and many Street signs remind residents not staff of the Kitgum SACCO, who are helping the Kitgum to pick up unusual items for fear Thousands of Northern Ugandan Ugandan people are coming SACCO and others like them, of land mines. Government people prefer life in the camps to together to create community. to realize their vision for a restored soldiers perform spot checks on the alternative: going home. Ugandans are helping Ugandans. and healthy Uganda...the pearl those entering and leaving the There are many reasons. Some are of Africa. vicinity. Aid trucks rumble by, still suffering the nightmares that Women are among those filled with grains. come with loss. Most of these experiencing the positive impact. Many thanks to the Canadian Many have formed circles that will Co-operative Association and in Step inside and feel the dark...the people, seeing and experiencing unimaginable atrocities from a war guarantee loans for individual particular Laurie Tennian, our mud floors, mud walls. Many sleep participants. The SACCO pools Uganda CCA field rep (cheerleader on hand-woven mats on the floor. that has brother killing brother, have experienced fear in its rawest the deposits and provides the loans and friend), for allowing me to The mats are laid out neatly in the for these groups. take part in this experience. And small space. form. They have earned the right to mistrust the word "ceasefire". Using whatever resources are special thanks to Alterna for There's no need to decide what to providing the time and support. Still, others only know life in available, participants build their wear in the morning. The rags of businesses. Shoes made from old Co-operatively yours, yesterday must do. the camps. For them, "home" is someone else's story. Peace is car tires and purses from discarded Kimberley Ney Boiled cassava root is the mainstay. conceptual, war and atrocity actual. drinking straws are but two examples Outside, the few pigs on the of the ingenuity and creativity of SVP Marketing, grounds splash in the muddy holes Many know that there isn't much the people. Women are growing Communications & CSR created by overflowing latrines. to return to. Their former lives produce in community gardens, have long since been looted and selling what they produce at the

Over $18,000 to 14 community organizations and projects Congratulations to 14 community organizations and projects that were The following reports are now available selected in 2007 as donation recipients. Funds consist of corporate donations and funds collected through our Spare Change Program. online or at your branch: Alterna’s Donation Advisory Committee selected the following Supporting our Communities – Corporate Social Responsibility organizations where a modest donation will play a meaningful role. Accountability Report 2006/2007 Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre (Ottawa) $4,000** This is the first CSR Accountability Report since our merger. Bonnechere Union Public Library (Eganville) $700* The document reports on Alterna’s social, environmental and Daybreak Non-profit Shelter (Ottawa) $4,000** financial performance to the members, clients and communities Ottawa Sustainability Fund $1,000** served by Alterna Savings’ and Alterna Bank. Canada Tamil Parent’s Association (Scarborough) $800* A Century of Cooperation in the Community Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre (Toronto) $800* Alterna Community Report 2007 Green Enterprise Toronto $600* The community report captures Alterna Savings’ and Alterna Bank’s Malton Black Development Association (Malton) $800* community involvement in 2007. In this report, you will find the list Nellie’s (Women’s Hostels Inc.) (Toronto) $1,000* of donation recipients and of sponsorships; a summary of our major North York Harvest Food Bank (Toronto) $1,000* community events and other Corporate Social Responsibility activities Packsac Smiles (North Bay) $800* are also included. Project C.A.N.O.E (Toronto) $800* Street Health Community Nursing Foundation (Toronto) $1,000* York West Senior Citizens Centre (Weston) $800*

*Spare Change Program ** Foundation of Ottawa Endowment Fund

IN YOUR COMMUNITY 7 Business  Card Payment Networking Café Processing Profit from the power of teamwork and learn how to build business support groups at no cost to you. Made Simple

May 27, 2008 We did say informative: client you must honour the Alterna business members: connecting with a prospect is a relationship, connect to them on 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. it’s easy to accept card Small Business Entrepreneurs terrific opportunity to ask their level, communicate your payments from your customers. share their experiences questions and learn about the value and know that marketing is prospective buyer. Learn how to a consistent, on-going process. June 23, 2008 craft a prospecting message, how Through interactive discussion Card payment processing is vital 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. to heat up the call, how to break and group work, you will learn to your business. Our partner, Chris Lowry, through and connect to your about marketing and what you Moneris Solutions, offers a single Green Enterprise Toronto (GET) prospects (in a way that matters need to manage in order to do it point of contact for accepting “Greening your Business – ^^ ® ® to them) and become more more effectively. Visa , MasterCard , Amex Green Opportunities for ® effective and creative when and Interac payment. With Entrepreneurs” working the phones. competitive credit and debit card September 16, 2008 All sessions will be held at the rates and reliable service and October 16, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Centre for Social Innovation, support, Moneris offers businesses 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. David Cohen, Alterna meeting room of any size, type, or industry, a David Cohen, Technicolour Umbrella 215 Spadina Ave. Suite 400 variety of cost-effective solutions Technicolour Umbrella “So you think you don't have Toronto, ON to enhance the customer experience “Marketing Strategies that will to cold call” Register in advance with and build your bottom line. Double Your Business” Whether you want to accept With this interactive session, Susan Henry, Everything you do is marketing: payments face-to-face, over the learn the benefits of cold calling Manager Community from how you dress and answer phone, or online, Moneris has the and how it can get you more Economic Development, the phone to what you send to solutions to meet your needs. business and make you more by emailing your clients and prospects. Get money. Overcome fear and [email protected] marketing insights that you can change your relationship to cold or call 416.252.5621 Find out more about how take away and use to change how calling and make it more Moneris products and services you do business. To engage the enjoyable, fun and informative. can help your business. www.moneris.com, or 1.866.382.7947

®Moneris, the Moneris Solutions logo, and eSELECTplus are registered marks of Moneris Solutions Corporation. ^^Registered trademark of Visa International Service Association; At Alterna Moneris is a licensed user. ®MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard it’s anything but International Inc. ®Interac is a registered trademark of Interac Inc. Used under license. ®Amex is a registered trademark business as usual of Company.

Having an expert financial partner on your side can make all the difference. Alterna also has a range of services to support the work that you do. Our approachable and professional staff has a full range of products and Day-to-day banking services, loans and mortgages, investment planning, services at their fingertips with one goal in mind: helping your business credit cards, insurance and cash management solutions. For the benefit or organization reach its full potential. of your clients, we have card payment processing services accepting credit We offer accounts for micro-enterprises, commercial enterprises and Small cards and Interac payment whether you accept payments face-to-face, over and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) including banking packages for traditional the phone or online. And, for your employees, we have payroll services “for-profit” businesses and packages to meet the needs of community and group RRSPs. Don’t forget that we also have great offers for your enterprises like co-operatives and non-profit organizations. personal banking needs. Our dedicated account managers can help guide you in this competitive Come in and talk to us about the benefits of Alterna. world. Access to information and your money is available through touch We can help get your business or organization where you want it to be. points across our branches and TeleService Centre.

Ottawa Toronto Alterna Savings Alterna Bank Website and Corporate Office Corporate Office TeleService Centre TeleService Centre 400 Albert Street 165 Attwell Drive Toll Free: 1.877.560.0100 Toll Free: 1.866.560.0120 alterna.ca Ottawa, ON Toronto, ON Toronto: 416.252.5621 Gatineau: 819.595.6980 K1R 5B2 M9W 5Y5 Ottawa: 613.560.0100 Ottawa: 613.560.0120

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