- Highlights from Kindred’s 61st AGM
- Member Experience Survey
- Your Financial Health Score
- Canada / U.S. Trade Dispute
- Peace Innovators
- Wealth and Investment Webinars
- Protect Yourself From Fraud
- Upcoming Holiday Closures
Our Community Inspires Our Future: Highlights from Kindred’s 61st AGM
On April 22, members of the Kindred community gathered at Wilmot Centre Church and online for our 61st Annual General Meeting. Whether joining in person or tuning in virtually, members came together to reflect on how Our Community Inspires Our Future.
The evening included reflections from Board Chair Henry Paetkau and CEO Jason Daly, who shared updates on Kindred’s performance, vision, and impact. Together, they spoke to the power of shared values and faithful stewardship as we continue building a peaceful, just, and prosperous future.
Members also heard from Marcus Shantz, President of Conrad Grebel University College, on behalf of The Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement; Anna Bergen, Executive Director, Mennonite Community Services; and Brenda Tubman, Executive Director, Ramoth Life Centre. These conversations sparked inspiration and reminded us that lasting change happens when we work together.
The AGM is one of the many ways Kindred lives out cooperative banking: giving members a voice and a vote in how we move forward. Thank you to all who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and contributed to the dialogue.
Hope to see you at the 2026 AGM!
Your Voice Matters – Help Shape the Kindred Experience
At Kindred, member experience and insights matter. We regularly reach out to hear your voice so we can serve our members - with care, integrity, and compassion.
Earlier this spring, we conducted a member experience survey from April 1 to April 30, 2025, sent to a select group of personal members. This survey was conducted by PMG Intelligence, our trusted research partner, to ensure confidentiality and objectivity. Thank you to everyone who participated! We will be repeating this survey in October to compare it with April’s results.
In addition, Kindred will be conducting ongoing transaction-based surveys following certain interactions—such as a mortgage renewal or GIC purchase. These surveys are short (two to three minutes) and are sent by email directly from Kindred. They're another way we stay connected and responsive to your needs in the moment.
How to know it’s legitimate
With fraud on the rise, we understand the need to be cautious. You can be assured both types of surveys are authentic and safe. Whether managed by PMG or Kindred, you will never be asked to provide your membership or account information.
Your feedback makes a difference.
Your insights help us prioritize improvements and ensure we continue to meet your needs in ways that reflect our shared values. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Together, we’re building a better Kindred for everyone.
Get a Free Financial Health Check-Up!
Money touches nearly every part of life—from daily spending to long-term goals like homeownership or retirement. Yet, with rising costs and economic uncertainty, financial stress is at an all-time high. The 2025 Financial Stress Index published by FP Canada reports that nearly half (49%) of Canadians lose sleep over financial stress.
Kindred's Financial Health Score Calculator is a quick, easy, and free tool designed to help you assess and track your financial well-being. In just a few minutes, you'll receive a personalized score based on key areas of financial health, helping you understand your current situation and identify areas for improvement.
This tool is part of Kindred's commitment to values-based banking, aiming to guide you toward financial confidence. Whether you're just starting out, preparing for retirement, or anywhere in between, the Financial Health Score Calculator can provide valuable insights.
There's no pressure or obligations. Use it as often as you like to monitor your progress over time. And if you need personalized advice, Kindred's Wealth and Investment team is here to help.
Take the first step toward financial well-being today. Try the Financial Health Score Calculator and take the next step with confidence.
Navigating Economic Uncertainty
At Kindred, we know uncertainty can be unsettling. As the Canada-U.S. trade dispute continues, many Canadians—especially farmers, other business owners, and investors—are wondering what it could mean for their financial future. Tariffs and trade disruptions can impact everything from supply chains to market prices, employment, and economic stability.
That’s why we want to emphasize: you are not alone. Whether it’s a global pandemic, an agricultural crisis like BSE/mad cow, or shifting economic policies, we’ve been through challenging times before. Through it all, our approach has remained the same: we stay close to our members, listen to their concerns, and provide thoughtful financial guidance that helps them move forward with confidence.
While trade disputes and economic shifts may create uncertainty, they also provide an opportunity to reflect, plan, and stay connected. At Kindred, our core values of integrity, compassion, and stewardship are reflected in our commitment to walking with our members through every economic cycle, providing thoughtful financial advice rooted in community and our shared values.
Whether you need investment guidance, business financing solutions, or simply reassurance about your financial plan, we’re here to help.
Read more about how we can help you during the Canada-U.S. trade dispute on our blog, or follow us on social to stay updated with information.
Young Changemakers Share Their Vision at the Peace Innovators Showcase
On April 24, the 8th annual Peace Innovators Showcase celebrated the achievements of the 2024–2025 cohort of high school students in the Peace Innovators Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
Six students presented their visions for building more peaceful, just, and connected communities, sharing thoughtful projects on a variety of causes close to their hearts. From raising awareness to taking action, each student demonstrated how young leaders are already making a difference in their local communities.
The Peace Innovators Scholarship & Mentoring Program equips young leaders with skills to tackle a problem they’re passionate about in their community. These Innovators network with other leaders in high schools across Ontario, and by the end of one year, they launch an event or campaign to address their cause.
You can learn more about the most recent cohort of Peace Innovators by visiting the Peace Innovators website.
Breaking Barriers to Homeownership: One Year of the HomeShare Mortgage
It’s been one year since Kindred introduced the HomeShare Mortgage—an innovative way for members to purchase a home with family, friends, or other trusted partners.
As affordability challenges continue, young Canadians are still prioritizing homeownership, often with help from loved ones or by pooling resources. Many are delaying travel or big purchases, living at home longer, or co-owning with parents and friends to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
New mortgage rules are also expanding what's possible: the maximum price for insured mortgages has increased to $1.5 million, meaning more buyers can qualify with a smaller down payment. For those with less than 20% saved, a High-Ratio Mortgage may offer a practical path forward, with special rates available.
Buying your first home? We’ll contribute $1,000 for your first mortgage to help you get into a home of your own!
Whether you're exploring co-ownership, buying on your own, or supporting someone on their journey, Kindred’s team is here to help with expert, community-focused advice. Download our First-Time Home Buyer’s Guide on kindredcu.com or book a meeting with a Mortgage Expert to get started.
Are you vacationing in Canada this summer?
It’s important to know that as a Kindred member, you don’t have to pay extra fees to access your cash wherever you happen to be this summer. Kindred belongs to the EXCHANGE Network, which means you have access to Canada’s largest surcharge-free ATM network. From coast to coast to coast, The EXCHANGE Network has thousands of ATMs that you can access surcharge-free, so you can spend more of your money on the things you love. To find EXCHANGE Network ATMs wherever you are, visit this interactive map!
CU Succeed Youth Bursary
Are you a resident of Ontario attending post-secondary school, and looking for financial assistance? The Ontario Credit Union Foundation will be awarding a total of $100,000 to credit union members through the CU Succeed Youth Bursary.
Learn more about how to apply by June 30, 2025, by visiting http://www.ocuf.org/bursary
Wealth and Investment Webinars
At Kindred, financial literacy is important to us. We’ve partnered with Aviso Wealth Inc. to create a series of free webinars on important financial topics that matter most to our members.
We invite you to attend one of these free sessions!
| Date | Topic | More Information |
| Recorded on June 4 |
DIY Investing | As a compliment to your financial advisor at Kindred Credit Union, Qtrade Direct Investing® is a do-it-yourself platform that members can use to manage their money to meet their financial goals. This webinar provides guidance on how Qtrade Direct Investing can help you meet your personal financial goals. Watch the video! |
| October 22 12:00 P.M. |
Canadians with US Properties | Whether property owners, renters or just visiting, Canadians spend a lot of time south of the 49th parallel. This can lead to estate and tax headaches for the unprepared. From Wills to substitute decisions, day counts to tax deadlines, and real estate issues in between, snowbirds have to carefully consider their southern exposure. Register to Attend! |
Learn more about all the upcoming 2025 webinars by visiting www.kindredcu.com/webinars for information or to register.
How Fraudsters Trick You: Urgency and Trust-Building
Fraud is increasingly sophisticated, and scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive. Understanding the methods they use can help you stay one step ahead. Whether through high-pressure tactics or carefully crafted trust, fraudsters aim to manipulate emotions and decision-making. This summary highlights their key strategies and how you can protect yourself.
Key Tactics of Scammers
- Creating Urgency:
Fraudsters use panic and/or threat to rush you into acting without thinking. Examples include:- Emails or calls claiming your bank account is at risk;
- Fake tech support calls warning of hacks; and
- Urgent requests after casual conversation starters.
- Building Trust Over Time:
Some scammers start slow, pretending to be friends or trusted reps. They:- Request small e-Transfers to start, and then move to wires for larger money transfers;
- Mimic reputable websites or brands; and
- May even offer to "recover" lost money for a fee.
How to Stay Safe
- Pause before acting;
- Examine details carefully;
- Speak to your financial institution;
- Enable two-step verification; and
- Always verify identities - even familiar ones.
Reminder:
If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Your best defence is to pause, stay informed and alert.
For the latest news and updates in fraud prevention, please follow blog.kindredcu.com, and check our Fraud Prevention page regularly. If you have been a victim of a scam, please inform Kindred so we can ensure your account is protected and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Holiday closures
Canada Day: July 1, 2025
Civic Holiday: August 4, 2025
Labour Day: September 1, 2025
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2025