Kindred Credit Union

5 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 can contribute to the loan fund by taking out Crisis Care GICs and receive a portion of interest at a below-market rate, with the rest of the earned interest going toward the Crisis Care Loans. Partnership loans allow Kindred to enable transactions between individuals or charitable organizations that need help getting a loan with members who will fund those loans on their behalf. Partnership loans can be designated to an individual or organization or GICs can be designated to fund a partnership loan. Kindred has also recently launched Canada’s first affordable housing GIC and loan product. Like other GICs, members can earn a guaranteed rate of return, while also allowing individuals that invest to help address the affordable housing crisis in the Waterloo Region. “All of our markets are affected by the affordable housing crisis, but in this particular region we have selected a partner and worked with a Malcom Gladwell (right) with Ian Thomas (left) MCC Power of Partnership fundraiser partner to develop a product with their deep understanding of the housing issues in Waterloo Region,” says Frank Chisholm, Kindred’s director of brand and marketing. “We are really proud to have that product out the door. It runs on the same foundation as the Member Assistance Services program – members can invest and then the outgoing dollars, in this case, go out to developers that are working on permanent, long-term, affordable housing units.” In addition to the credit union’s value-driven offerings, Kindred also offers a member- first approach when it comes to financial advice. Take their approach to guiding members looking to buy their first home. Thomas says their service offers more than just finding out what members can afford. “The advice starts with uncovering what is the objective of the home, is it long term versus short term? We ensure there is a clear understanding, especially for that first-time homebuyer, of the