The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) has activated a Caribbean Relief Fund to support credit unions that have been affected by Hurricane Irma that recently devastated sections of the Caribbean.
More than 10,000 active members
According to the WOCCU, there are more than 10,000 active credit union members in Anguilla, Barbuda, Tortola, and St. Kitts/ Nevis – countries that felt the wrath of Irma, the most powerful Atlantic hurricane in recorded history.
More than US$1.9 million needed
Unofficial estimates from the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions, a member of the World Council, indicate that approximately US$1.9 billion may be required for reconstruction in the affected countries.
“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, the president and chief executive to WOCCU.
The WOCCU is raising funds through the Worldwide Foundation of Credit Unions, its official gift receiving and grant-making arm.
Also helping US residents
In addition to the Caribbean region, the foundation is raising funds to provide relief for those impacted by storms in the United States.
Over the past four years, the foundation has delivered approximately US$1 million in aid to credit union organizations affected by natural disasters in the Philippines, Nepal, Ecuador, Malawi, and Columbia.
