I’ll admit this is my favorite time of year. Eating things no one should and it’s perfectly acceptable, seeing Christmas through my growing children’s eyes, and the spirit of giving that comes with the season. I’m never ceased to be amazed how credit unions come together to support causes collaboratively that none of us could accomplish on our own. We have such a rich history of giving back in our individual communities as well as projects that affect us all statewide and nationally. It harkens back to why we were formed to begin with and it continues to define who we are as corporate citizens.
Those of you whom I’ve had the pleasure of seeing over the last few months know that we are entering into a new focus project for the Foundation that will be accomplished by the combined resources of the credit unions in North and South Carolina. We are endeavoring to remodel the rooftop garden play area at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC and then turning to a similar project for a Children’s Hospital in South Carolina. Our combined goal for this two-phased project is $600,000. I have been moved by the generosity and selflessness shown by credit unions that have already stepped up to the plate to show their support to this combined effort.
I received this holiday greeting this week from Piedmont Advantage Credit Union, headquartered in Winston-Salem, and was amazed at the beauty of the presentation and the spirit in which it was given. There are different ways that your Credit Union can be involved in this effort. Maybe joining the Carolinas Investment Fund is the right way for you. Maybe it’s a direct corporate gift, or maybe it’s your staff coming together and finding ways to raise funds toward this worthy goal. I look forward to dialoguing with you about the best option for you.
I hope your holiday season is filled with the best that it can be. I am honored to work with you all and look forward to a fantastic 2012 for us together.
John P. McGrail, CCUE, CFSP, CUCE
President/CEO
Carolinas Credit Union Foundation