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CUAid Update: Over $100k Raised for CU People Affected by Hurricane Sandy
Disaster Relief Donations Encouraged as Need for Aid Continues
Madison, Wis. – Since activating its online disaster relief system CUAid.coop a week ago on October 31, the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) has already raised over $100,000 from the credit union community to assist credit union people along the East Coast affected by Hurricane Sandy.
“The devastation in New Jersey has impacted millions of people’s lives. We continue to deal with a gasoline shortage, lack of basic necessities for those who have lost their homes and many are still without power. With the temperature dropping and a Northeaster approaching later this week, we need resources to ensure basic needs are met for those most impacted,” said Paul Gentile, President/CEO of the New Jersey Credit Union League. “I have been touched by the outreach we have received from credit unions and credit union system organizations throughout the country. It is so valuable to have a fund like CU Aid available to concentrate fundraising efforts.” Click here to watch a video interview with Gentile.
“The damage from Hurricane Sandy continues to impact many New York credit unions, their employees and members. Countless remain without power, heat and other basic necessities, while some have completely lost their homes,” said William J. Mellin, President/CEO of the Credit Union Association of New York. “The need for financial assistance is great, which is why I am asking everyone to open your hearts and give whatever you can. To those that have already donated to help our credit union family, thank you!” Click here to watch a video message from Mellin.
“In just seven days, we’ve raised over $100,000 with donations ranging from $10 to $10,000,” said Christopher Morris, NCUF Director of Communications. “It’s inspiring to see so many credit unions stepping up yet again to help those in need.”
Credit union supporters in every state can now make donations at 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.
As donations are posted through CUAid.coop, NCUF is coordinating with the New Jersey Credit Union League and the Credit Union Association of New York to distribute money efficiently to affected credit union employees and members. 100% of the donations through CUAid goes to credit union disaster relief. In the event that all donations are not used for Hurricane Sandy relief, NCUF will transfer any and all unused funds to its “General Disaster Relief fund” for future disaster relief efforts.
Organizations and individuals can use a variety of CUAid web buttons for their website. Please click here for the easily linkable buttons, including ones specific to the current Hurricane Sandy campaign. Click here for a direct link to the donation form.
CUAid Disaster Relief Grant Assistance Information:
For credit union people in New Jersey and New York looking to apply for a CUAid disaster relief grant, please use the following links for the procedures and application:
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, working to help consumers achieve financial freedom through credit unions. 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 Corporate 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 financial freedom achievable through credit unions.
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.