MADISON, Wis.—Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) is reporting it has activated its Project Storm Break disaster relief initiative in response to Hurricane Melissa, which has caused catastrophic damage across Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean.
As the foundation noted, the Category 5 storm made landfall on Oct. 28, sweeping from Jamaica’s southeast coast through the island’s center to Montego Bay, with sustained winds above 185 mph.
“Entire communities were devastated—homes lost roofs or were destroyed, infrastructure collapsed, and key agricultural regions suffered massive crop losses,” Worldwide Foundation said. “Large portions of Jamaica remain without electricity, water, telecom and internet services, while flooding has left more than two dozen communities isolated.”
CUs Coordinate Relief
According to the foundation, credit unions across Jamaica are already coordinating relief efforts alongside the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) and CUNA Caribbean, preparing and delivering 1,000 care packages, tarpaulins and bottled water to affected communities in the hardest-hit areas.
Through Project Storm Break, WFCU will work with the CCCU Development Foundation and the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League (JCCUL) to assess the needs of credit union members and staff, providing emergency and long-term recovery support, the foundation said.
Test of Resilience
“This hurricane has tested our resilience, but it has also reminded us of the strength of our cooperative family,” Denise Garfield, general manager of CCCU, said in a statement. “With the support of WFCU and our global credit union partners, we will recover and rebuild stronger together.”
Support from TruStage
In addition, the foundation said the relief effort is already being bolstered by international support. The TruStage Foundation (USA), the philanthropic arm of TruStage, has pledged $50,000, and Sicredi—World Council of Credit Unions’ Direct Member and the largest credit union system in Brazil—has contributed $10,000 to aid recovery and reconstruction, the foundation said.
WFCU is inviting credit unions and other to provide support. Donations are now being accepted here.
