MADISON, Wis.–Various credit unions and organizations continue to make donations to charities to assist in relief efforts following Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey.
Among those making a donation is CUNA, which announced it is donating $50,000 to Harvey relief efforts through CUAid, the National Credit Union Foundation’s disaster relief system.
“The images coming out of Texas this week have been gut-wrenching, and CUNA is making this contribution toward immediate and long-term recovery needs. The credit union system’s generosity has been on full display this week, but it will take months and years for the region to fully recover, and continued support is essential,” said CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. “As the waters recede, the needs of credit unions and their members will become even more evident, and CUNA, leagues, credit unions and partners stand ready to support recovery needs for as long as it takes.”
CUNA said it is urging all those in the credit union movement to contribute to CUAid.
Meanwhile, NAFCU, its credit unions members and staff continue to send donations to the American Red Cross in Texas to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
"We are tremendously saddened to see and hear about the devastating impacts Hurricane Harvey is having on the city of Houston and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them," said NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger. "With families being uprooted and their lives forever changed, we are reminded in these moments of the need to come together as one community and give our time and resources where possible.
"As we donate to the American Red Cross in Texas, we stand ready to help our Texas credit union members as they go on serving their communities in the coming months of recovery," Berger added. "We are thankful for the recovery assistance currently underway, and will continue to do everything we can to support these efforts."
For those credit unions needing additional resources, the NCUA has available hurricane and disaster preparedness recovery information. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also offering additional resources for financial institutions, including disaster relief guidelines, NAFCU noted.
Also making donations were:
- The Cornerstone Credit Union League Lending Council is donating $25,000 to the Cornerstone Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in southeast Texas. Billy McDaniel, chair of the Lending Council Executive Committee and SVP lending at Communications FCU in Oklahoma City, said, "In keeping with our credit union philosophy of 'people helping people,' the executive committee felt compelled to support its fellow credit unions who are facing the devastating consequences of Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent severe flooding." A donation to the Foundation's Disaster Relief Fund helps provide disaster relief grants to credit unions during times of natural catastrophic disasters, such as storms, floods, earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, etc.
- In Ontario, Calif., CU Direct has donated $25,000 to CUAid, established by National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF), to assist with disaster relief efforts for credit unions, members, and their families impacted by Tropical Storm Harvey. “People helping people is at the core of what credit unions do in the communities they serve across the country, and never is this more important than now,” stated Tony Boutelle, President and CEO of CU Direct. “Helping credit unions and their families recover from the devastation left by Tropical Storm Harvey reaffirms CU Direct’s commitment to credit unions and their members.”
- Randolph-Brooks FCU is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. “Like everyone, we are shocked and saddened by the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Harvey,” said RBFCU President and CEO Christopher O’Connor. “Thousands of our members and employees have already been directly or indirectly affected by Harvey and the full extent of the damage is still unknown.” The RBFCU headquarters sits only 200 miles west of Houston and the coastal region.
- Texoma Educators Federal Credit Union in Durant, Okla., is partnering with Bushwackers Land Clearing to help provide relief for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Harvey. Trailers are stationed at Walmart in Durant, 3712 W. Main St., taking donation, including supplies.
- The Credit Union Foundation of the Dakotas is donating $5,000 to CUAid.
- The Global Women’s Leadership Network said it is actively engaging its members in support of the people in Houston. “There are items being donated, money being sent and doors being opened for credit union people and pets,” the GWLN said.