MADISON, Wis.–While Hurricane Irma’s damage to Florida has gotten most of the media attention, the World Council of Credit Unions is reminding that credit unions and their members in the Caribbean have also been devastated—and it’s raising funds to help.
WOCCU noted that damage of “epic proportions” has hit Anguilla, Barbuda and Tortola, while the Bahamas and St. Kitts and Nevis were also impacted, but to a lesser degree.
There are more than 100,000 credit union members in Anguilla, Barbuda, Tortola and St. Kitts and Nevis, WOCCU said, adding that unofficial estimates from World Council member Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions indicate that approximately US$1.9 billion may be required for reconstruction in these countries.
World Council will provide immediate relief to support rebuilding efforts. “It is through these difficult times that our global community comes together to show its strength and reach beyond borders to help those in need,” said Brian Branch, World Council president and CEO, urging credit union leaders to offer their financial support in providing relief to those impacted by Hurricane Irma.
The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions is the official gift-receiving and grant making arm of World Council. Over the past four years, the Foundation has delivered nearly $1 million in aid to credit union organizations affected by natural disasters.
For info: www.woccu.org.