Contact:
Christopher Morris
608-231-4374 | cmorris@ncuf.coop
Madison, Wis. – The effects of Hurricane Irene are still being felt by credit union people along the East Coast, particularly in New Jersey, New York and Vermont. The National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) activated the online disaster relief system CUAid.coop two weeks ago to raise money for those affected and has already raised over $24,000. This campaign has also been broadened to also assist credit union people affected by flooding from Tropical Storm Lee in Pennsylvania.
“We are still in the process or surveying the damage to credit unions, employees, and members,” said Jim McCormack, President/CEO of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association in Harrisburg, Pa. “There has been substantial flood damage in several areas across Pennsylvania and our Association, through the Pennsylvania and National Credit Union Foundations, will work with credit unions to help ease some of the financial burden on people who may have lost everything.”
"While Irene may be long gone, the damage that remains is significant,” said Paul Gentile, President/CEO of the New Jersey Credit Union League in Hightstown, N.J. "Thousands of New Jersey residents have been displaced because of severe flooding. Implementing CUAid is a testament to the credit union spirit and reflects credit unions' willingness to help those who need it most.”
Credit union supporters in every state can now make donations through a secured website that accepts credit cards and wire transfers (www.cuaid.coop). CUAid is the only program of its kind that enables credit union employees, volunteers, and members, as well as credit unions and credit union organizations across the U.S., to contribute directly to support other credit union people.
“Although almost two weeks have passed since tropical storm Irene wreaked havoc on much of Vermont, recovery efforts continue for many of those affected throughout our state,” said the Association of Vermont Credit Unions in a recent newsletter. The association urged donations to CUAid as “the financial impact will be felt by many long after the media coverage ends.” wreaked havoc on much of Vermontwreaked havoc on much of VermontThe financial impact, however, “will be felt by many long after the media coverage ends
As donations are posted through CUAid.coop, NCUF will coordinate with the credit union leagues in the disaster area to distribute money efficiently to affected credit union employees and members.
CUAid was developed by NCUF in cooperation with state credit union foundations, state credit union leagues, and the Credit Union National Association’s Disaster Preparedness Committee in 2006. In 2011, NCUF has raised over $250,000 in disaster relief donations that were disbursed as grants to credit union employees and members who suffered losses from tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri, as well as from flooding in North Dakota.
Organizations and individuals can use a variety of CUAid web buttons for their website. Please click here for the easily linkable buttons. Click here for a direct link to the donation form.
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About the National Credit Union Foundation (ncuf.coop):
The National Credit Union Foundation is the US credit union movement’s primary national philanthropic program provider, fundraiser and grant-maker. Through NCUF grants and programs, credit unions provide widespread financial education, create greater access to affordable financial services, and empower more consumers to save, build assets, and own homes.
NCUF is funded primarily by investments in the award-winning Community Investment Fund (CIF) and by generous Supporters led by the Credit Union National Association and CUNA Mutual. All NCUF donors provide support that empowers NCUF and state credit union foundations to make a real impact in the credit union community.
The National Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. NCUF continues to earn the Better Business Bureau seal of approval as an “Accredited Charity” for meeting all 20 BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards for national charities.