Kindred Credit Union Among “Best for the World”

Kitchener, ON – Kindred Credit Union (Kindred) has been recognized among the Best for the World™ B Corps of 2021. Ranking in the top 5% in its size group in the Customers impact area, Kindred is in excellent company with B Corp businesses from around the world.

This ‘Best for Customers’ honour recognizes Kindred’s focus on the member experience. Plus, it acknowledges the ways the credit union has made it easier for people across the province of Ontario to experience ‘Banking with Purpose wherever they’re at’. In other words, Kindred is helping people connect their values and faith with their finances by opening access through digital channels, while also showcasing a commitment to meeting people wherever they are on their financial journey.

Ian Thomas, Kindred’s chief executive officer, says that “Kindred is honoured and humbled to be included once again on the Best for the World list, this time recognized in the Customers impact area. We’re dedicated to our members and our purpose, which is to inspire peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.” He adds, “It’s affirming to gain recognition from B Lab, as we seek to more fully live into our purpose.”

When COVID-19 restrictions took hold, Kindred’s plans to open access through alternate channels were prioritized. From digital membership opening and e-signature to video meetings, extended Member Contact Centre hours, and contactless banking solutions, the credit union worked to maintain the connection to its members, and build relationships with new members, while improving digital access.

In addition to the financial needs made evident during the pandemic, “the experiences of 2020 put inequities within our membership and our communities into stark relief and shone new light on the need for partnership and cooperation across industries,” notes Thomas. “Knowledge sharing amongst the B Corp community, where everyone is committed to using business as a force for good, reinforces how cooperation can be part of creating long-term solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.”

The Best for the World lists, which recognize businesses that create extraordinary positive impact, are based on an independent, comprehensive assessment administered by the non-profit B Lab. Kindred’s B Impact Score offers a snapshot of how we measure up. All honourees are published on bcorporation.net.

Kindred became a Certified B Corp in 2017. Today there are more than 4,000 Certified B Corporations across more than 153 industries and 77 countries, unified by one common goal: transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.

About Kindred Credit Union

Kindred Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative based in southwestern Ontario. Kindred’s values-centred approach is woven into everything we do and makes us the one-of-a-kind choice for those who want to connect their values and faith with their finances. Kindred offers a complete range of banking, borrowing, and investing products and services through eight branches and online. Members benefit from access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs through THE EXCHANGE® Network in Canada and the Allpoint Network in the US. To learn more about Kindred, visit kindredcu.com.

Media Contact

Frank Chisholm
Director, Brand and Marketing
Kindred Credit Union
519.746.1010, Ext. 5211
frank.chisholm@kindredcu.com