CUs Meeting In Calgary 'Meet' With Afghanistan CU Organizers

CALGARY, Alberta – Delegates attending the opening session of the World Council of Credit Unions’ World Credit Union Conference here were able to participate in a live exchange with WOCCU staff on the ground in war-torn Afghanistan, thanks to an Internet audio and video link. The audience of 2,500 witnessed a transmission from one of the country’s northern provinces featuring WOCCU field worker Randy Spears flanked by a staff of 18. Spears and his associates offered a live report, noting the challenges of running what now totals seven credit unions serving 7,000 members. Spears fielded questions from the stage and audience, noting that physical safety in the face of roadside bombs, landmines and kidnapping remain among the many challenges to WOCCU’s continued efforts.