This National Volunteer Week, we want to shine a light on the incredible individuals who give their time, expertise, and passion to steer Capital Credit Union forward. At the heart of the credit union movement is a simple but powerful ethos: people helping people.
Many members might not realise that Capital Credit Union is guided by a board of 11 dedicated volunteer board members. These individuals come from all walks of professional and community life, volunteering their time to ensure our credit union remains a thriving financial co-operative owned by it’s members.
To celebrate the week, we sat down with our Chairperson, Ann Walsh, to chat about her journey, what it’s like to work alongside her fellow directors, and why volunteering is more rewarding than you might think.
Q: What first inspired you to join the board at Capital Credit Union, and how many years have you been volunteering with us?
“Credit unions have always been part of my family story,” Ann shares. “My wonderful father-in-law helped establish the first industrial credit union in Ireland, St Valentine’s Credit Union for Jacobs, and his account number was 00001. He believed passionately in people helping people and in communities supporting one another.”
When Ann was invited to join the Board at Capital Credit Union in 2017, her father-in-law was facing a difficult health battle.
“Parkinson’s had sadly already begun to take a strong hold on him. I remember kneeling beside his chair and telling him I had been asked to become a Director. He slowly gave me a thumbs up and the biggest smile—and in that moment, I knew I had to do it. It felt like carrying forward something that mattered deeply to him, and now matters deeply to me too.” 
Q: Beyond the chance to be an active board member, what is the primary reason you choose to give your time to the credit union movement?
For Ann, the motivation comes down to local impact and collective teamwork.
“Credit unions are built differently. We are not faceless organisations—we are local people helping local people, often through some of the most important moments in their lives. Whether it’s supporting someone with their first loan, helping a family through a difficult period, or backing local schools, clubs, and local organisations, there is a genuine sense of care behind everything we do.”
“As one of 11 volunteer board members, I get to collaborate with a fantastic group of people who all bring different skills to the table. Volunteering allows us to play a small part in protecting and strengthening that community spirit for future generations, and that is incredibly rewarding.”
Q: During your tenure, is there a particular project or community initiative we’ve launched that you are especially proud of?
Rather than pointing to one single milestone, Ann finds immense pride in the collective, ongoing support Capital Credit Union provides across the area.
“I genuinely feel a little burst of pride whenever I see ‘Sponsored by Capital Credit Union’ on a jersey, banner, school initiative, or local event. Sometimes the projects may seem small individually, but their impact ripples throughout entire communities—and that is something very special to be part of.” 
Q: What is one skill or perspective you’ve gained from your volunteer work that you didn’t expect when you first started?
While financial governance and strategic planning are part of the role, the most profound takeaway for Ann has been witnessing the power of kindness.
“The biggest thing for me has been seeing firsthand the incredible value of kindness and human connection. I am constantly proud of the staff across all our branches who serve members with knowledge, patience, warmth, and above all, a smile. Whenever someone tells me they dealt with Capital Credit Union and found the process friendly, supportive, and easy, I beam from ear to ear.”
She notes that this human element is more vital now than ever: “In a world that can sometimes feel ver
y automated and impersonal, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for the importance of genuine customer care and community relationships.” 
Q: For a member considering a volunteer role in their community, what piece of advice would you offer them?
“Absolutely do it,” is Ann’s enthusiastic reply.
“Volunteering gives you far more than you expect in return. No two meetings are ever the same, you learn constantly, and you gain perspectives and experiences you simply wouldn’t encounter otherwise. Most importantly, organisations and communities need fresh voices, fresh ideas, and fresh energy to continue evolving and thriving.”
For those holding back because they feel they lack experience, Ann offers some reassuring reassurance:
“You do not need to know everything before you start—you just need to care enough to get involved. And once you do, you may be surprised by just how much of a difference you can make.”
Get Involved This National Volunteer Week
To Ann, to our other brilliant board members, and to all the volunteers who give their time to local groups across our fellow Credit Union neighbourhoods, we say a massive thank you.
If you are inspired by Ann’s story and want to find out more about how you can contribute your fresh perspective to your local credit union, get in touch here
