More than 100 people came out to a first-of-its-kind free event hosted by Sunshine Coast Credit Union and the Sechelt Public Library on Nov. 15.
In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, the community was invited to drop by with their money questions, to learn more about the benefits of requesting a free credit report, and to understand how to identify potential fraudsters.
“Our employee volunteers have delivered Money Skills financial literacy program to the community for three years now,” said Shelley McDade, CEO of Sunshine Coast Credit Union. “But it’s a four-session evening commitment, and that doesn’t always fit everyone’s lifestyle. With this open-house format at the library, our goal was to provide an opportunity for anyone from our community to casually and conveniently drop in to get their money questions answered and pick up information that will help them make better financial decisions.”
Members of the Sunshine Coast RCMP complemented the on-site Credit Union money experts.
“Financial fraud is a growing concern and no one knows this better than the RCMP who were on-hand to share their experiences, stories and tips,” McDade added. “Equipping people with the knowledge they need to identify fraudsters before it’s too late, is critical.”
One of the favorite tips of the day was letting attendees know about the benefits of obtaining a free copy of their credit report. By doing so, you can confirm that your credit history is accurate, as well as ensure that you have not been a victim of identity theft.
In addition to the Sechelt Public Library, community partners who made the day a success included the Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast who served up hot dogs and drinks, thanks to contributions from IGA Wilson Creek and Gibsons.
