Credit Unions Asked to Reach Out

April 4

Madison, WI—World Council of Credit Unions’ Worldwide Foundation has activated its disaster relief fund in an effort to help Solomon Island credit unions damaged by the tsunami that struck there on April 2.
“The western and Choiseul Provinces experienced one of the worst natural disasters in the country’s history after a massive undersea earthquake sent a tsunami crashing into the provinces, destroying most of Gizo's business and killing 20 people. Officials expected the news to get worse, where huge waves churned by a massive earthquake wiped out two villages,” reported The Solomon Star.
Donations will help rebuild credit unions and savings clubs, replace equipment, reconstruct member accounts and make available small loans that enable members to rebuild their livelihoods. WOCCU is partnering with the Credit Union Foundation of Australia (CUFA) in creating a joint appeal to raise funds to assist the credit unions, savings clubs and members affected in the western province.
Credit union and savings club members have lost their homes and livelihoods in the devastation caused by the tsunami. More than 4,000 people are reported homeless. Thus far, CUFA staff members in the field have reported that three credit unions and four savings clubs were damaged on the island of Choiseul. In the capital city of Gizo, there were two savings clubs affected. On the outer islands of Big Soltai and Noro Kenarry eleven savings clubs and fourteen credit unions were damaged.
Brian Branch, World Council chief operating officer and CUFA staff members will be in the Solomon Islands in two weeks to evaluate how WOCCU and CUFA can work together to assist credit unions in rebuilding and aid the Solomon Islands Credit Union League.
To support the international credit union disaster relief fund to rebuild Solomon Islands credit unions, send donations to:

Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions
5710 Mineral Point Road
P.O. Box 2982
Madison, WI 53701-2982

Individuals may also make donations with a credit card online at www.woccu.org (click on support WOCCU) and credit unions may wire funds. For wire transfer information contact Valerie Breunig, Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, 608-231-7353 or vbreunig@woccu.org. Please indicate your donation is designated for Solomon Island Disaster Relief Fund.