As Hurricane Dorian Leaves a Path of Destruction in the Bahamas, Credit Unions Step up to Help

Posted by Ben Shuey on October 23, 2019

As the widespread, deadly devastation of Hurricane Dorian comes into focus, the Worldwide Foundation of Credit Unions has initiated its first Project Storm Break to help those in need in the Bahamas, where the storm unleashed days of wrath last week. Several credit unions on the island of Grand Bahama saw extensive damage.  

The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions’ Project Storm Break was officially launched just one month ago, during the 2019 World Credit Union Conference, which was held in the same country that now suffers from Dorian’s destruction. The Northwest Credit Union Foundation and over a dozen credit unions were early contributors to that fundraising effort. 

Donations to help Bahamian credit unions are still needed, and those wishing to contribute can do so through the Worldwide Foundation’s Project Storm Break online donation platform. 

According to a press release sent out by the World Council for Credit Unions, the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions and the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions sent immediate relief funds from Project Storm Break to help credit unions damaged by Hurricane Dorian get back on their feet to assist members.

Reports from the Associated Press show at least 43 people have lost their lives, and the death toll is expected to rise. Thousands have been evacuated from the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, but at least 70,000 others remain stranded and homeless.

Much of the damage to Bahamian credit unions occurred on Grand Bahama, with most yet to reopen. The Grand Bahama Co-Operative Credit Union has reopened with limited hours, providing members cash withdrawals, which has allowed them to purchase much-needed groceries, emergency supplies, generators, and gasoline.

To learn more about how your Northwest Credit Union Foundation supports local, national, and international disaster relief efforts, visit the Foundation online. 

Posted in Asset Building, Disaster Relief.