Celebrating 125 Years of Ambition Performance and Presence Desjardins Marks a Milestone

Desjardins, a major cooperative, proudly celebrates 125 years of service, ambition, and performance. This milestone highlights the organization’s commitment to providing value to its members and the communities it serves.

Core Values Driving Desjardins

Desjardins operates with a fundamental belief that money should serve people. Unlike traditional companies, it prioritizes member needs over shareholder profits. This approach reflects in the organization’s solutions and services.

For instance, Desjardins has proactively supported around 43,000 entrepreneurs impacted by trade tensions with the United States. The cooperative also communicated effectively with thousands of its members amid rising interest rates.

Community Investment and Support

Solidarity is a vital principle for Desjardins, enabling it to be a significant socio-economic actor. Through initiatives like the Community Development Fund, established in 2017, the cooperative aims to invest over $280 million by 2028, supporting thousands of local projects.

Financial Education Initiatives

Financial literacy remains a cornerstone of Desjardins’ mission. The organization collaborates with numerous schools to teach saving through its School Caisse program. Additionally, the “My Finances, My Choices” initiative has reached half a million individuals across diverse communities in Quebec and Ontario over the past decade.

• Partnerships with 111 organizations for educational outreach.
• Programs to support businesses, including Créavenir and Microcredit.

Democratic Action and Member Engagement

Desjardins encourages democratic engagement among its members, allowing them to elect representatives and vote on surplus sharing from their caisse. The cooperative hosts a lively annual meeting, attracting nearly 2,000 representatives from its 199 local caisses.

Modernizing the Cooperative Model

Desjardins continues to demonstrate relevance through the modernization of its services. By incorporating digital tools and maintaining strong community ties, the cooperative ensures it meets contemporary member needs. Initiatives like the virtual assistant Alvie, available through AccèsD, provide educational resources during financial transactions.

Desjardins by the Numbers

Here are some key statistics reflecting Desjardins’ impact:

• Nearly 5 million members.
• Over 55,000 employees.
• More than 2,300 members on the Board of Directors.
• Assets exceeding $500 billion.
• $557 million distributed in refunds, donations, and sponsorships last year.

As Desjardins marks this significant anniversary on November 1, it reaffirms its dedication to helping members achieve financial autonomy while fostering community solidarity. The future looks bright for this pioneering cooperative.