There was a lot of love in the air on Valentine’s Day as 6 local groups were awarded €18,000 by Cara Credit Union. The credit union’s Lauri Healy Community Sponsorship Awards were set up in 2017 to support community based projects initiated by organisations within the credit union’s common bond.
To date 33 organisations in Tralee, Castleisland, Killorglin, Ballyduff and Causeway have benefited from this award, totalling €104,000.

The most recent groups to benefit were, Ardfert National School, St. Bridget’s Basketball Club, Foodshare Kerry, Causeway Community Action Group, Reeks District Tourism Group and St. Brendan’s Park F.C.
Speaking to Pa Laide, CEO of Cara Credit Union, “Cara Credit Union is very conscious of our credit union ethos. One way of rewarding the trust and loyalty we receive from our members is by supporting projects that can help build better communities, and add value throughout our common bond in Tralee, Castleisland, Killorglin, Ballyduff and Causeway.”

Pa said “It is important to highlight that the money allocated to the Lauri Healy Community Sponsorship Awards comes from the income we earn from our loans. We would encourage any member or potential member who needs a loan to talk to us. Not only do our loans help our members to do whatever they need to do but they also help the local community as the money is spent locally and in return we at Cara Credit Union can distribute funds to worthy community projects like the Lauri Healy Community Sponsorship Awards. As a not for profit financial co-operative, the more money we can earn in lending, the more money we can give back to our members and our local community. If you would like to find out more about Cara Credit Union’s current account and globally accepted Mastercard Debit Card or if you need a loan, call our Member Services Centre or pop into one of our Branches in Tralee, Castleisland, Killorglin, Ballyduff and Causeway or see our website.”
With the recent news of the closures of branches of other financial institutions we are once again reminded of the importance of the Credit Union sector. Credit Unions, as established financially inclusive co-operatives, exist solely to meet the needs of their members.

The next round of the Lauri Healy Community Sponsorship Awards are now open until March 31st 2022. See www.caracreditunion.ie for more.