NCUF, WOCCU Tsunami Relief Efforts Net Over $700,000

MADISON, Wis. - Credit unions continue to open their wallets to help December 2004 tsunami survivors in South Asia rebuild their lives and businesses. So far the tsunami appeal launched by the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) in support of efforts by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) to rebuild credit unions demolished by the tsunami has garnered $318,813.18 in funding from the U.S. credit union movement and its business partners. WOCCU has to date collected $407.277.42. "The National Credit Union Foundation was honored to have been able to facilitate the prompt dispatch of funds from the U.S. credit union movement to help rebuild credit unions devastated by the tsunami," said Francois Henriquez, senior vice president and general counsel at U.S. Central and NCUF board secretary. "Through this appeal, credit unions once again showed their community of caring." WOCCU continues to work closely with SANASA, Sri Lanka's credit union federation and central liquidity facility, to rebuild damaged credit unions. According to SANASA reports, 85 of the 90 credit unions in the Galle District, including Beruwela and Modara Patuwatha credit unions, were affected in some way by the tsunami. Of those, 23 were completely destroyed. Credit unions and other organizations are asked to send final donations to NCUF prior to June 30, 2005. Checks should be sent to: National Credit Union Foundation, Inc. For: South Asian Tsunami Appeal PO Box 78880 Milwaukee, WI 53278-0880 Wire transfers should be directed to: US Central 9701 Renner Blvd, Suite 1000 Lenexa, KS 66219 ABA # 301082688 Account # 301000275 Reference South Asia Tsunami Disaster Relief The World Council of Credit Unions will continue to accept donations through the latter part of 2005.