The Climb Africa initiative is a multifaceted philanthropic effort created by the African Confederation of Co-operative Savings and Credit Association (ACCOSCA) and the Africa Cooperative Development Foundation to support the African Savings and Credit Co-Operative Society (SACCO). Credit union leaders gathered from Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America to help the ACCOSCA Academy strengthen and grow the African SACCO system while at the same time improving the lives and livelihoods of the African people.
Climb Africa charitable events included but were not limited to fundraising, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and completing a project at the Salima School for the Blind in Malawi or the Don Bosco Special School in Kenya.
Resource One employee volunteers included Yolonda Woodson, Community Engagement Manager; Mary Beth Spuck, President and CEO; and Tracey Jackson, Chief Financial Officer (pictured left to right). During the three-week stay, these R1CU volunteers painted two classrooms, painted murals on the newly constructed security fence, and planted shade and fruit trees for the students and staff at the Salima School for the Blind in Malawi.
“I am deeply humbled having spent almost three weeks in Africa working with my colleagues, learning and supporting the global credit union movement. It was inspiring to collaborate with credit union leaders from seven countries focusing on IDEAs (Innovation, Delegation, Education, and Advocacy). Credit Unions are truly making a difference worldwide and fulfilling our promise of ‘people helping people’.” Mary Beth, President and CEO of Resource One, stated.
Yolonda Woodson, Community Engagement Manager, added, “I cannot even begin to articulate how much this opportunity has transformed me. To be able to serve communities on an international level is something that I have always wanted to do that is near and dear to my heart. I met many amazing people from all walks of life who share the same credit union movement initiatives. I am fortunate to have made such impactful memories and to have been a part of something so moving and inspiring.”
