The National Credit Union Foundation announced that it will accept donations through CUAid.coop -- the online disaster relief system -- to raise money for credit union people affected by Hurricane Maria.
Loíza, PR, September 21, 2017 - This home in Loíza was destroyed by the strong winds brought by Hurricane Maria. The category 4 hurricane tore through Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Yuisa Rios/FEMA
“Based on news reports and limited communication with credit union staff in Puerto Rico, the situation is truly dire,” said Christopher Morris, communications director at the Foundation. “With CUAid now actively assisting credit union people affected by three large-scale disasters, we are now directing people to donate to the Foundation’s General Disaster Relief Fund, which will allow us the flexibility to direct dollars to wherever they are needed most on an ongoing basis.”
Donations will be used for any credit union employees and volunteers affected by Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storm Harvey.
In order to distribute funds to credit union people in Puerto Rico specifically, the Foundation will coordinate in a partnership with the New York Credit Union Foundation. A number of credit unions on the island are members of the New York league through the partnership programs facilitated by the World Council of Credit Unions.
On the whole, more than ten thousand credit union staff and volunteers are potentially affected by these three disasters. The Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation has already distributed 1,090 “Phase I/Critical Needs” grants totaling $990,000.
“While the movement has already raised an impressive $1.8 million collectively to help credit union people, the recovery effort in all areas affected is expected to take months,” said NCUF Executive Director Gigi Hyland. “Your continued donations will make a tremendous impact in helping people put their lives back together.”
