All-Ireland CU Awards Finalists

Dundalk Credit Union: Proud Finalists in Four Categories at the All-Ireland Credit Union Awards 2024

Dundalk Credit Union is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as finalists in four esteemed categories at the All-Ireland Credit Union Awards 2024! These nominations reflect our ongoing commitment to financial education, social impact, sustainability, and innovation in serving our community. The categories in which we are finalists are:

1. Best Innovation Project 
2. Best Use of Social Media
3. Social Dividend Initiative (Social Impact) 
4. Social Dividend Initiative (Sustainability)

Best Innovation Project: Financial Wellness Initiative

At Dundalk Credit Union, we are dedicated to empowering our members with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve financial success. Our Financial Wellness Initiative is designed to do just that—offering an innovative approach to financial education through several key components:

• CluedIn Program: We’ve partnered with nine schools to deliver financial literacy education to students, giving them a strong foundation in personal finance.
• Senior Cycle Seminars: Tailored for senior secondary students, these seminars provide deeper insights into managing personal finances.
• Financial Wellness Games: To engage younger audiences, we’ve introduced an interactive game that teaches vital financial concepts, including debit card fraud prevention, money mule awareness, budgeting, and overall financial health, all through bite-sized, engaging modules.
• Financial Wellbeing Webinars for Local Employers: These webinars offer practical financial advice, empowering local employees to take control of their finances.

Our innovative approach combines traditional seminars with interactive learning tools, ensuring accessibility for all ages. By promoting financial literacy and wellbeing, we are fostering a proactive culture of financial management across our community.

Best Use of Social Media: Engaging Our Community on TikTok

As part of our mission to connect with younger members and make financial education more accessible, Dundalk Credit Union has embraced social media in new and exciting ways. Our recently launched TikTok account has quickly become a platform for engaging, educating, and empowering our community, particularly younger audiences.

Through creative and educational content, we are demystifying the world of finance—breaking down complex topics into simple, fun, and digestible content. By connecting directly with members on social media, we are fostering stronger relationships and helping the next generation build a solid financial future.

Social Dividend Initiative (Social Impact): Peer Education Programme

Dundalk Credit Union is proud to sponsor the Peer Education (Peer Ed) Programme, a flagship initiative that empowers young people to lead and educate their peers on critical issues like mental health, self-esteem, peer pressure, and substance abuse. This programme is designed to:

• Provide education on substance abuse and mental health
• Offer peer-led training and mentorship
• Build leadership skills among Transition Year (TY) students

By creating a safe and supportive environment, the Peer Ed Programme equips students with the tools to educate their peers, fostering leadership and building resilience within the community. The social impact is profound, creating lasting change and empowering young people to take control of their futures.

Social Dividend Initiative (Sustainability): Leading the Way for a Greener Future

At Dundalk Credit Union, we believe that environmental responsibility is essential for building a brighter future. Our sustainability efforts go beyond just reducing our carbon footprint; we are committed to leading by example through innovative projects and community partnerships. Some of our key sustainability initiatives include:

• Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace: Training our staff in sustainable practices to reduce our environmental impact.
• Solar Meitheal Project: A collaborative solar energy project that promotes renewable energy use within the community.
• Partnerships: Working with Dundalk FC and DkIT Students’ Union, we’re supporting green initiatives and sustainability-driven projects that make a tangible difference.
• Support for Sustainability-Led Community Projects: We actively invest in and support community projects focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

By integrating sustainable practices into our operations and partnering with local organisations, we are fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. These efforts not only benefit our members today but also ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

A Proud Moment for Dundalk Credit Union

Being recognised as finalists in these four categories is an incredible honour. These nominations underscore our commitment to driving positive change through innovation, social impact, and sustainability. We are grateful to our members and community partners for their support and collaboration in helping us achieve these milestones.

We look forward to the upcoming awards ceremony and to continuing our mission of empowering, educating, and supporting our members in every way we can.

Stay connected with us on social media, including TikTok, to follow our journey and get the latest updates!