The St Catherine Cooperative Credit Union is boasting massive improvements in its asset value and is sharing some of that gain with local charities.

The credit union, which was formed through the merger of nine other credit unions 32 years ago, has grown from 5,745 members in 1977 to 54,000, with assets valued at $1.1b from $1.1m.

This was revealed by Winston Donald, marketing officer for the credit union, at the monthly handover of funds to several organisations at a function in Spanish Town, St Catherine, last Thursday.

''If your future is secure, it means that if we give back, then our future will be bright. That's why we continue to give back to community groups like yours," Donald said.

His views were echoed by director Dennis Robotham, who added that the partnership has fuelled its spirit of benevolence.

At the function, funds totalling more than $100,000 were given to Children's First, St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Elim Early Childhood Institution, prison ministries, the Jamaica Fire Brigade and Russell Basic School.

Stanford Leow, representative of the St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, told the gathering that the donation would help the church's building fund.

"We are eternally thankful that this help has come from the St Catherine Cooperative Credit Union. It will touch the lives of many, as the plan is to build a centre for training youths," remarked Leow.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com