PICTURES: Laois based Credit Union celebrates strong financial performance at AGM

People First Credit Union held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, January 28 in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, where members heard how the credit union continues to grow strongly while delivering meaningful social, educational and community impact across its common bond. Use the arrows or click next to see more photos from the event from photographer Alf Harvey. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Members were also presented with strong financial and operational results for the year, including a total gross loan book of €48.7 million, representing 7.88% growth, with 6,461 loan applications received, 82% of which were approved, totalling €30.2 million.

During the year, 1,424 new members joined People First Credit Union, while 40 local community groups received €72,691 in funding.

Addressing members on the night, Seán Dunne, CEO of People First Credit Union said: “Tonight’s AGM reflects the strength of People First Credit Union - strong financial performance alongside a deep commitment to our members and the communities we serve. From supporting students and first-time borrowers to investing in local groups and sustainable community projects, everything we do is guided by our cooperative values and by the trust our members place in us.”

A key highlight of the evening was People First Credit Union’s continued investment in education, with €1,000 scholarships awarded to a student from each of the seven secondary schools within the common bond.

This year’s recipients were Grace Fox (Heywood Community School), Liam Maher (St Mary’s CBS), Sarah Murrell (Scoil Chríost Rí), Nathan Lam (Portlaoise College), Szymon Trela (Ardscoil na Tríonóide) and Maita Phairah (Athy College).

Members also demonstrated strong support for community development, approving the transfer of €80,000 into People First Credit Union’s Community Funding Budget.

This funding will be distributed throughout the year to assist community and voluntary groups delivering projects with lasting social, environmental and community benefit.

The AGM also highlighted the three shortlisted finalists for the Community Champions Award, a special €10,000 prize recognising outstanding community initiatives. The shortlisted groups are VIP Hub, Portlaoise Community First Responders, and Irish Wheelchair Association Athy.

VIP Hub were crowned the winners of the People First Credit Union Community Champions Award on the night, receiving the €10,000 prize in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community. The award acknowledges the organisation’s exceptional work supporting athletes with visual and physical impairments across County Laois. Founded eight years ago as a volunteer-led initiative and now recognised through Sport Ireland, VIP Hub supports over 100 athletes across a wide range of para and inclusive sports. The organisation plans to use the funding to deliver the Laois Inclusion Games, a two-day inclusive sporting event for children and adults with disabilities, scheduled to take place next August.

READ NEXT: PHOTOS: Laois craft group going international with invite to exhibit in France

Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager and Chair of the Community Funding Committee, “Our community funding and Community Champions initiatives are about creating lasting impact. We are proud to support projects that improve quality of life, promote inclusion and sustainability, and strengthen the social fabric of our common bond. None of this would be possible without the continued support of our members.” Every time they choose us as their financial provider for loans, mortgages, current accounts it allows us to put money back into the community.”

The AGM marked the official launch of People First Credit Union’s first Social Impact Report, capturing the breadth of the credit union’s social, community and environmental activity throughout the year. The report reflects the belief that success should be measured not only in financial terms, but in the positive difference made in the lives of members and the communities served.
The evening concluded with tributes to Clive Davis, who stepped down as Chair after 19 years of dedicated service, as well as acknowledgements for Mary Carmody, who resigned from the Board of Directors, and Mary Crowley, who stepped down from the Board Oversight Committee, in recognition of their valued contributions.

People First Credit Union thanked all members for their continued commitment and support. As a member-owned cooperative, the credit union cannot develop and grow without its members. Members were encouraged to continue supporting People First Credit Union as it works to strengthen financial wellbeing, reinvest locally and build thriving, inclusive communities for the future.