The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues and the Richard Myles Johnson (RMJ) Foundation have joined with CU Aid, the first national online giving center for credit unions.
By linking together, the organizations say they will offer employees and members a donation option to help fellow credit union employees and members when disaster strikes. Contributions to CU Aid are directed to the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) Disaster Relief Fund.
"CU Aid is a well-conceived national effort that not only gives credit unions a collective national identity, but centralizes electronic fund-raising to speed the transfer of funds to disaster-struck credit unions," said Bill Cheney, CEO of both leagues.
"The RMJ Foundation welcomes this partnership because it will enable the Foundation to better foster disaster relief by and for credit unions," said RMJ Foundation Chairman Debra Gannaway-Grisamer. "This is truly a case of 'Together, we can achieve more.'"
One of the keys is to keep CU contributions in the credit union community.
"Put simply, this is the right thing to do-it is the best way to attract funds from credit union employees and members who might otherwise donate to the Red Cross and other relief programs," said Mary Cunningham, NCUF chairman and CEO of USA Federal Credit Union in San Diego. "I encourage all League-member credit unions to join this program. It will benefit the entire credit union community."
CU Aid positions the national credit union system to mobilize contributions from individuals across the country after a disaster. The leagues say benefits will include:
* More credit union employees and members will be aware they can contribute to help fellow employees and members.
* More contributions will remain in the CU system.
* Funds will be channeled more quickly.
"We commend the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues and the RMJ Foundation for taking leadership roles in promoting cuaid.coop as the single Web-based resource to raise disaster relief funds for credit unions," said Steve Delfin, NCUF executive director.
"This new system will enable credit union supporters to better assist credit unions in California and Nevada impacted by natural or man-made disasters, including earthquakes and wildfires. The more credit union people who use cuaid.coop, the more effective we will be in reaching those who need help," Delfin said.
Tena Lozano, RMJ Foundation manager, called on CUs to take three steps:
* Download any of the cuaid.coop buttons and banners, as well as related disaster relief "campaign materials," from www.cuaid.coop.
* Place a cuaid.coop button and/or banner with a link to www.cuaid.coop on their websites and intranets.
* Use the sample letters, statement stuffer, and point-of-sale materials to encourage employees, volunteers, and members to make tax-deductible donations to fellow credit union employees, volunteers, and members in need.
For more information, contact: NCUF's Steve Bosack at 800.356.9655, ext. 6752, or by email at sbosack
