PALM DESERT, Calif.–The wildfires in California and the hurricanes that hit other portions of the U.S. have gotten well-deserved attention, but one person is urging credit unions not to forget about a CU movement that has also been devastated.
Brian McCrory, who hails from Belfast in Northern Ireland and who is chairman of the World Council of Credit Unions, admitted that he was making a “plea” to those in attendance at the California and Nevada Leagues’ REACH Conference here, but also said it was over an issue “near and dear” to his heart.
“Californians in particular are known for their ability to empathize with victims,” said McCrory, noting the efforts to assist people victimized by the wildfires in the state. “Our family extends way beyond the borders of the United States, and we have family members in the Caribbean. The devastation in U.S. is 1% of your GDP. The devastation on Dominique represents more than 255% of their GDP. It’s like civilization was wiped out. Every home was affected. Every credit union was affected, none of which have reopened. Life is not normal; life for a long time will not be normal. Our challenge not just to you but the international credit union movement is to help our brothers and sisters, not as an act of charity, but as an act of solidarity with our family members on those islands. The appeal is to consider a further contribution to help in a place where even a small donation goes a long, long way.”
To donate to CUs in the Caribbean, go here: https://www.woccu.org/give