NY Credit Unions Donate to Tsunami Relief

ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York Credit Union Foundation (NYCUF) has collected a total of $63,906 in Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund donations. NYCUF has transferred the funds, donated by 53 New York credit unions, 58 individuals, and the Metropolitan District of the NYSCUL, to the World Council of Credit Union’s (WOCCU) Worldwide Foundation. WOCCU will distribute 100% of the funds to help rebuild credit unions demolished by the recent Asian tsunami. “On behalf of the NYCUF, I would like to thank all those who donated to our Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund,” said James Mack, chairman, NYCUF Board of Trustees. “I would also like to extend a special thank you to the following credit unions for their leadership donations: Municipal CU, $10,000; Capital Communications FCU, $5,000 and Suffolk FCU, $5,000.” According to Mack, Mid-Hudson Valley FCU is one example of the many credit unions that stepped up to support the relief effort. Collection boxes were placed in each of their five offices while the credit union’s community relations committee announced they would match donations up to $2,500. With contributions from employees, members, two community organizations and the matching funds, MHVFCU donated $7,215.61. “NYCUF established the Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund right after the New Year,” said Diane LaVigna Wixted, NYCUF’s executive director, “to facilitate donations from New York credit unions wanting to assist the credit unions, staff, volunteers and members impacted by the massive tsunami that devastated 11 nations.” The New York Credit Union Foundation has also served as a conduit of financial aid to victims of natural disasters, including victims of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City, the California wildfires, Florida hurricanes, and Washington Postal Employees in the wake of anthrax attacks. After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Foundation raised more than $1.4 million for credit union victims of the catastrophe.