MADISON, Wis.– The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) said it is answering the call to help the Dominica Credit Union League after the major devastation following Hurricanes Maria and Irma, two of the strongest storms ever to hit the Caribbean.
In two months, WOCCU reported it has raised over $100,000 through the Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund. Credit unions from across the U.S. and Canada continue to contribute, making this a global effort, WOCCU said.
“It’s the most endearing part of being involved in the credit union system,” said Brian Branch, president and CEO of WOCCU. “When there is a disaster like this credit unions are the first on the ground providing assistance and sister credit unions from around the world also step in to provide support. It’s inspiring,” said Brian Branch, World Council president and CEO.
Among those providing “generous” support, said WOCCU, have been American Heritage Federal Credit Union, Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, Coastal Federal Credit Union, CUNA Mutual Group, Ideal Credit Union, Schools First Federal Credit Union, as well as contributing credit unions and individuals worldwide.
The Caribbean Relief Fund will be used for reconstruction and repair to support the Dominica credit unions and their 75,000 plus members impacted by Hurricane Maria. Damage to credit union physical facilities reported in Dominica from Hurricane Maria includes loss of roofs, windows, gates, air conditioning units as well as the destruction of office equipment and damage to ceilings, electrical wiring and floors, according to WOCCU. The loss many suffered is significant and efforts of restoration and rebuilding is estimated to take years, WOCCU added.
Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, the official gift-receiving and grant-making arm of World Council, continues the ongoing campaign through the Caribbean Relief Fund. Over the past four years, the Foundation has delivered nearly $1 million in aid to credit union organizations affected by natural disasters in the Philippines, Nepal, Ecuador, Malawi and Colombia.
Click here to make a donation for Caribbean Relief