CUNA, NCUF Create "Credit Unions Rebuild America" Fund

September 20, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Wolff
mwolff@cuna.com
(202) 682-4200

WASHINGTON – The National Credit Union Foundation and the Credit Union National Association, Inc. announce the creation of the "Credit Unions Rebuild America" Disaster Relief (CURA) Fund. CUNA is kicking off the CURA fundraising effort by donating the first $5,000.

"Creating this fund is consistent with the NCUF’s disaster relief policies and established role as a charitable conduit on behalf of CUNA and the credit union movement," says John Fiore, President of Motorola Employees’ Credit Union, Schaumburg, Ill., and Chairman of the NCUF. "Donors need options for their help in any relief situation. The National Credit Union Foundation is proud to deliver a mechanism for credit unions across the country to alleviate the suffering this tragedy has precipitated."

The CURA Disaster Relief Fund will provide the credit union movement with a central collection point through which its generosity can be channeled in support of relief efforts currently underway in New York, Washington, D.C. and other communities affected by recent terrorist attacks.

David Maus, CEO of Public Service Credit Union, Denver, Colorado, and Chairman of CUNA, says that immediate, initial support for the New York State Credit Union League Foundation’s disaster relief efforts was essential, but now is the time for the national movement to step forward along with the league.

"The league’s efforts have been exemplary as they have focused exclusively on credit unions, credit union staff, volunteers and members," says Maus. "We at the national level have had a chance to examine the situation, get a sense of scope and find out where our help could do the most good. Now is the time for us to go into action through the creation of the CURA Fund."

The CURA Fund is designed to be substantially different for the New York State Credit Union League Foundation’s efforts. CURA will support widespread, non-credit union specific relief efforts. The NCUF has established relationships with the American Red Cross’s National Disaster Relief Fund and the September 11th Fund of the United Way/New York Community Trust/Council on Foundations Partnership Relief Efforts.

Seventy-five percent of donations collected by CURA will be allocated to the Red Cross, which is focusing on immediate assistance such as food, shelter and medical care. The remaining twenty-five percent will be allocated to the September 11th Fund, which is developing long-term support such as mortgage payment assistance and relocation expenses. One hundred percent of funds collected by NCUF for CURA will be distributed according to these donation guidelines.

"The CURA Fund represents the credit union movement stepping forward to help America. It is citizens acting to help other citizens," says Daniel Mica, President of both CUNA and NCUF. "Establishing the Fund is a way for us to open our hearts to all those affected by this tragedy. When you think about it, if every credit union in America contributed a dollar per member, we'd raise over $80 million for disaster relief, or even 25 cents a member and would give us $20 million. I'm confident that credit unions everywhere will be anxious to help."

Mica notes that credit union organizations, such as the CUNA Mutual Group, are already encouraging their employees to contribute to the CURA Fund.

The Credit Unions Rebuild America Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations immediately. The appeal will officially end Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2001. Any financial support received after that date will be allocated to the NCUF’s General Disaster Relief Fund. Donations can be made by:

Check or cash:

Pay to: National Credit Union Foundation, P O Box 431, Madison WI 53701
Description: CURA Fund

Wire Transfer:

Pay to: US Central Union, 7300 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66210
ABA#: 301 082 688
Acct#: 301-000-275
Description: CURA Fund

Information on online credit card donations will be available shortly. Questions regarding the Credit Unions Rebuild America Disaster Relief Fund can be directed to Bruce Wheeler, director of Donor and Public Relations, for the NCUF, at 1-800-356-9655, ext. 4979, or via e-mail (bwheeler@cuna.com).

Established in 1980, NCUF is the U.S. credit union movement's primary charitable and fundraising organization for global credit union development. The Foundation has given more than $8.4 million in grants, in support of its mission to promote consumer financial independence through credit unions. Visit the Foundation's web site at http://www.ncuf.coop.

With its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, Credit Union National Association serves more than 90% of America’s 10,300 credit unions, which are owned by more than 80 million consumer members. Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives where people are worth more than money. For more information, visit www.cuna.org.

Copyright © 2008 - Credit Union National Association, Inc.