CU Financial Management launches new partnerships to empower equity-deserving Atlantic Canadians
Leading wealth management firm announces support for programs addressing labour gaps, income equality and youth access to sports and recreation
Halifax, NS (April 18, 2023) – CU Financial Management, Atlantic Canada’s leading partner in financial planning and advice, is expanding its commitment to empowering local communities through new partnerships with Windmill Microlending and First Tee – Atlantic.
“Both of these outstanding organizations align with CU Financial Management’s values and our key areas of focus for community support, including financial literacy, equal opportunities and community need,” said Ross Ripley, CU Financial Management CEO. “As an Atlantic Canadian firm, we are invested in doing all we can to strengthen the communities we call home and helping the people of our region thrive.”
Windmill Microlending is a national registered charity that provides affordable, low-interest microloans to skilled immigrants and refugees to help fund their Canadian education and credentials, addressing critical labour gaps and underemployment. In addition to establishing Windmill’s first Atlantic Canadian named loan fund, CU Financial Management is matching its team members with Windmill program participants for mentorship opportunities to further support newcomers in establishing their careers in Canada.
“We are extremely grateful to have CU Financial Management as a supporter of our work, focusing on skilled immigrants and refugees in Atlantic Canada,” said Sandy Marett, National Director, Philanthropy and Campaign Planning. “We see a greater demand for Windmill loans than ever before. With the support of CU Financial Management, we are confident that we can continue empowering our clients to achieve career success in Canada.”
First Tee – Atlantic is a youth development program that provides children with life-enhancing experiences through golf. Under the operation of Golf Canada and in collaboration with provincial golf associations, First Tee – Atlantic offers accessible and inclusive programming at golf courses, schools and community centres. CU Financial Management will be recognized as a Regional Champion of First Tee – Atlantic, with funds directly supporting the delivery of introductory golf environments in equity-deserving communities across all four Atlantic provinces.
“We believe that children from all backgrounds should have an opportunity to play golf and benefit from the life and leadership skills inherent to the game,” said Steve Healy, First Tee – Atlantic Development Officer. “By partnering with like-minded supporters like CU Financial Management, we can continue to expand our reach across the entire region and provide environments where youth feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and equipped for whatever comes their way, on and off the course.”
Bursary program to launch later this year
CU Financial Management will also launch a bursary program in fall 2023, awarding four bursaries – one in each Atlantic Canadian province – for first-year or returning students at accredited universities and colleges.
“We believe that we can make a real impact by providing a helping hand to emerging leaders at the start of their careers,” Ripley said. “Through these bursaries, we hope to help close the achievement gap and make a difference in our communities.”
Continued community support
In addition to these new partnerships and programs, other key areas of ongoing support include food security organizations and poverty reduction projects, as well as disaster relief community support through emergency response and relief agencies.
The firm also offers paid volunteer days, encouraging team members to meaningfully give back to their communities. Each year, one team member who has inspired others with their community involvement receives the Community Champion Award, which includes $500 to donate to an organization of their choice.
More information about CU Financial Management’s commitment to giving back is available at cufm.ca/community-connections.
About CU Financial Management
CU Financial Management provides tailored financial planning for every stage of life. We help people who are just starting out, building wealth, running a business, planning for retirement, or leaving a legacy for their loved ones. Our team focuses on people, not products, building long-lasting relationships with our clients and providing personalized solutions to fit their values and goals.
CU Financial Management is invested in Atlantic Canada. We live here, we work here, and we know that when our clients are successful, our communities thrive.
To learn more about CU Financial Management, visit cufm.ca.
About Windmill Microlending
As Canada’s largest microlending not-for-profit for skilled immigrants and refugees, Windmill addresses underemployment of internationally trained professionals across Canada. By offering affordable loans up to $15,000 to pay for the credentials, licensing, training or professional development, Windmill clients are able to achieve career success and convert potential into prosperity for themselves and for Canada. Founded in 2005, Windmill Microlending is a registered charity supported by donors, government, sponsors and granting agencies. Visit windmillmicrolending.org for more information.
About First Tee – Canada
First Tee – Canada is a youth development program operating under Golf Canada since 2020. In partnership with First Tee, Golf Canada launched First Tee – Canada to provide inclusive and accessible life-enhancing opportunities to children through golf. First Tee – Canada continues to expand programming and positively impact youth at golf courses, schools and community centres across the country. For more information and to learn how to support First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.
Media Contacts
CU Financial Management
Alex Davis
alex@ccgoodwin.ca
(506) 259‑4081
Windmill Microlending
Aoife O’Reilly
aoife@teamwindmill.org
First Tee – Atlantic
Madelyn Boelhouwer
mboelhouwer@golfcanada.ca
(905) 467‑6086