Ottawa Womens Credit Union

By Bonnie McDougall

When I first walked through the doors of the Ottawa Womens Credit Union (OWCU) in 1980, I was in dire need of some very strong financial help. The government was about to seize my bank accounts, I had a poor credit rating and I didn’t give much thought to monthly budgeting, which is what got me into trouble in the first place.

Within a few months, I had made peace with Revenue Canada, my cheques no longer contained rubber and I was well on my way to a respectable credit rating. This happy ending was achieved primarily through hard work on my part and a great deal of flexibility, respect and understanding from the management and staff at OWCU.

The more they helped me, the more I wanted to help them by being a responsible client.

The Credit Union faced challenges in the late 80’s, as membership growth sometimes overwhelmed the staffing efficiency. They were then a teaching institution, mainly with immigrant women learning new skills and this sometimes caused longer line-ups and obvious frustrations with clients. But we persevered, and together we all became stronger.

From the early years of business, Holly Hughes has been the manager of the OWCU and she has deftly steered the credit union to the success they enjoy today. They are the only financial institution in Canada run entirely by women for women - with the main focus on helping women become financially healthy.

They have welcomed men as account holders in recent years. In a few short months, the OttawaWomen’s Credit Union will celebrate 30 years of service to our community, and I will be happy to stand proudly with others in the family in wishing my favourite bank a very Happy Birthday.

Contact: Holly E. Hughes, General Manager
Ottawa Women's Credit Union
271 Bank Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1X5
613-233-7711 www.owcu.on.ca