October is proving to be a month of celebrations. On October 1st we celebrated National Seniors Day; paying tribute to the seniors who have helped build our country and who continue to make valuable contributions to our communities and workplaces. And then on October 20th, we’ll celebrate International Credit Union Day, an annual event to commemorate the credit union movement’s impact and achievements globally, nationally and in local communities. With that in mind, it seems fitting that we recognize one of our members in achieving an important milestone.
Described as a hard-working entrepreneur, Noel Baker has been making his mark on the town of Lillooet since moving there in the summer of 1949. From business owner to active community builder and supporter, Noel has held many roles in the community. One of those roles, which we’re particularly proud of, is his role as a founding member of our credit union. In fact, he holds passbook #1, dated September 12, 1952 from Lillooet and District Credit Union, one of our founding credit unions and an important part of our roots.
Those who’ve met Mr. Baker have undoubtedly seen his eyes light up and a smile cross his face as he recounts the humble beginnings of his credit union. He’ll tell you how it all began one night at a local print shop when he and five community-minded individuals came together to discuss an alternative to the one big bank in town. That night, they laid out plans to create a new locally-based financial institution, and with the $10.00 in Noel’s pocket as their first deposit, Lillooet and District Credit Union was born.
That $10.00, he’ll tell you, was later neatly tucked away in a cigar box and stored under the bed of their one designated bank clerk. In fact, for a while, that cigar box served as their safe with a rubber band wrapped tightly around it for security. But not to worry, it didn’t take long for their membership and assets to grow… and soon they upgraded to a proper safe.
What started out as an idea and an old cigar box has helped build what we have today, a credit union serving 71,000 members in the interior of BC with over $2.2 billion in assets and the same continuing commitment to using local money for local good.
This past spring, Mr. Baker was recognized with the Freeman Municipal Award; the highest award a community can bestow upon a valued member of a community. And with that, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations and say thank you to Mr. Baker for all his contributions and hard work. We’re proud to be a part of the Lillooet community and to recognize Noel Baker as an outstanding community leader. You sir, are a shining example of what the credit union movement is all about! Congratulations!