MADISON, Wis—The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) has pledged $5,000 through its Project Storm Break initiative to assist the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions’ (CCCU) Development Foundation’s appeal to provide support to credit union communities affected by Hurricane Beryl.
The first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has affected member credit unions on Tobago, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Jamaica and caused significant destruction.
According to the foundation, among Jamaica’s population of approximately 2.8 million, roughly one-million people are credit union members. Credit union membership in St. Vincent and the Grenadines represents 78% of the country's population.
“Consequently, a significant portion of those directly impacted by the disaster are credit union members,” the foundation said.
First Tranche Disbursed
CCCU reported it has already disbursed the first tranche of funds from its Development Foundation to help severely impacted member organizations with the purchase of medical supplies, food, bottled water and rain tarps.
“The next urgent need will be to purchase power generators once more become available on some of the devastated islands,” according to the Worldwide Foundation, which said it will support the effort through its $5,000 donation. It is encouraging the global credit union community to step in and make contributions through Project Storm Break.
‘Important Mission’
“Our General Disaster Relief Fund gives WFCU an opportunity to quickly respond to various crises faced by credit unions around the world,” said WCUF President Mike Reuter in a statement. “We are grateful to our generous champions that provide us with the resources needed to fulfil this important mission to be there for those in need in a timely fashion.”
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