In the community
Donations and sponsorships
Desjardins puts over $200,000 into the Ottawa region every year. Through their donations and sponshorships program, the caisses concretely support local organizations.
Mutual Aid Fund
The result of a partnership between Desjardins and Entraide budgétaire Ottawa, the Ottawa Mutual Aid Fund's goal is to help people facing financial hardship through budget counselling and emergency loans for essential services. The loans are available to individuals and families residing in Ottawa who do not have access to traditional credit sources based on standard assessment criteria.
The partnership expresses the desire of the caisses populaires Desjardins in the Ottawa region and Entraide budgétaire Ottawa to meet the needs of the community in a tangible way by assisting individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, and with a focus on prevention.
Education for young people
Desjardins also has the mission to contribute to the financial and cooperative education of young people.
This was how the school caisse program came into being over 100 years ago, and it continues to serve over 25 schools in Ottawa. Primary students also have the opportunity to make deposits into their account, through their school.
To encourage young people to continue their education, a variety of scholarship programs are available to them.