Credit union leaders from Vancouver and Thunder Bay recognized for exceptional social impact and community service

VANCOUVER, B.C. and TORONTO, ON, May 16, 2025 – Alterna Savings and Central 1 Credit Union (Central 1) are pleased to announce Sharon Buchanan and June Gaw as the recipients of the 2025 Gary Gillam Award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to social responsibility and co-operative values within the credit union system.

Sharon Buchanan, Manager of Pigeon Park Savings credit union Branch in Vancouver, has dedicated 17 years to providing caring, low-barrier financial services with dignity to approximately 4,000 monthly members, many of whom are experiencing poverty, mental health issues, substance use challenges, housing precarity, and identification barriers. Her personalized approach ensures each client receives customized banking solutions, from basic accounts to government benefit assistance. Pigeon Park Savings is a unique partnership between the Portland Hotel Community Services Society and Vancity. During the pandemic, Buchanan demonstrated exceptional leadership when the credit union branch remained the only financial institution on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to stay open, successfully advocating for distributing social assistance payments over a week to protect vulnerable members.

June Gaw has been a dedicated credit union supporter since 1967 and currently serves as Chair of Bay Credit Union's Member Engagement and Social Responsibility Committee in Thunder Bay. With nearly 60 years of community service and a passion for food security, she has led the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) as President since 2010, building a formidable network of volunteers and community groups. Under her leadership, the RFDA is undertaking a $6 million expansion to better serve members locally and in northern communities, providing education for wellness and ensuring equitable food distribution to people in need.

"Sharon Buchanan and June Gaw exemplify the co-operative spirit and social responsibility that are foundational to the credit union movement," said Rob Paterson, President & CEO of Alterna Savings. "Sharon's tireless commitment to providing dignified banking services to people facing barriers and June's passionate dedication to ensuring no one goes hungry, demonstrate how credit union leaders can transform lives. We congratulate these exceptional individuals on their well-deserved recognition."

"The achievements of Sharon and June represent the very best of what makes credit unions unique in the financial landscape," said Sheila Vokey, President & CEO of Central 1. "Their work embodies co-operative principles, creating meaningful, lasting change in their communities — Sharon by breaking down barriers to financial inclusion, and June by building sustainable food security networks. Their leadership shows how credit unions can be powerful catalysts for social justice and community resilience."

Alterna Savings and Central 1 will donate a total of $5,000 on behalf of Buchanan and Gaw to charities of their choice. June has selected the Regional Food Distribution Association and Sharon's portion will go to the PHS Community Services Society's Indigenous Health Services. 

About the Gary Gillam Award

The Gary Gillam Award was established in 1996 and is awarded annually to recognize individuals within the British Columbia and Ontario credit union systems who have demonstrated co-operative values and made significant achievements in social impact. For more information about the Gary Gillam Award, visit www.alterna.ca/GaryGillamAward.

About Alterna Savings

Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited (Alterna) has delivered The Good in Banking^® for over 115 years. As the first full-service, member-owned co-operative financial institution outside Quebec, Alterna Savings shares its expertise with over 206,000 members through a network of 39 branches across Ontario, a Contact Centre, and digital channels. Members and customers also benefit from industry-leading online brokerage and investment management services and have access to over 42,000 surcharge-free ATMs in North America.

Alterna Savings & Credit Union Limited operates as Alterna Savings, a credit union in Ontario. Alterna consists of Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alterna Bank. Follow Alterna on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. For information on deposit insurance, please ask for a brochure at any Alterna branch or visit the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario's website: www.fsrao.ca.

About Central 1 

Central 1 cooperatively empowers credit unions and other financial institutions who deliver banking choice to Canadians. With assets of $10.0 billion as of December 31, 2024, Central 1 provides critical payments, treasury and clearing and settlement services at scale to enable a thriving credit union system. We do this by collaborating with our clients to develop strategies, products, and services that support the financial well-being of their more than 5 million diverse customers in communities across Canada. For more information, visit www.central1.com.

Media Contact

Alterna Savings
Kim Moseley, VP, Product, Marketing and Communications
Email: kim.moseley@alterna.ca

Central 1
Heather Merry, Senior Manager, Communications
Email: communications@central1.com