MADISON, Wis. – The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions has partnered with the Illinois Credit Union System to put out a call to aid Guatemalan peer credit unions, their employees and members to provide immediate disaster relief support.
Volcan de Fuego, one of the two active volcanoes near the nation’s capital Guatemala City, has erupted and destroyed communities, leaving individuals destitute. Nearly two million people have been affected with hundreds more missing, the Foundation noted.
“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 World Council President and CEO Brian Branch, urging credit union leaders to offer their financial support in providing relief to those impacted by Volcan de Fuego.
“We are committed to supporting all credit unions and the safety of their members and staff. Our motto is ‘People Helping People’ and we are now being called to expand that attitude of service on a global scale. It is our duty to unite together in order to aid the disaster relief efforts in Guatemala,” said Tom Kane, president and CEO of the Illinois Credit Union System.
Monetary Contributions Sought
Monetary contributions are being requested to provide supplies to those affected, repair damaged credit union branches and help get credit union members back on their feet in providing financial training and services by supporting the rebuilding process of member businesses or farms.
Guatemala’s credit union system is comprised of 25 credit unions with 266 branches and 1.5 million members nationwide and is coordinated by FENACOAC, the nation’s cooperative network federation.