ROME, Italy – "There's a tsunami every day." With these words Bobby McVeigh, Chairman of WOCCU opened the 2005 World Credit Union Conference in Rome. He wasn't referring to waves of water, but the 50,000 people that die of starvation every week all over the world. He challenged the attendees to make a difference. Where there is a credit union there is hope was his message. Although the world reacted fast and powerfully to that particular disaster, there are still millions who are suffering on a daily basis and not meeting the basic necessities of life. McVeigh said that he has traveled throughout the world as part of his duties as chairman and he says there is progress in some countries in Eastern Europe. During the conference three new members will join WOCCU. They are Russia, Ukraine and Romania. He feels that the Western world needs to be more aware of what they have. "For the price of two lattes, a child in Africa can be fed, clothed and educated for a week." Speaking to Credit Union Times behind the scenes, McVeigh seemed almost angry that not enough is being done to help. He has pledged himself during his two-year chairmanship to do everything in his power to help the poor throughout the world. His way is through credit unions. McVeigh's speech followed an impressive flag ceremony with the 41 flags of attending countries being waved into the hall carried by men dressed in Middle Age dress and accompanied by a fanfare. [email protected]