Maine Credit Union League

Maine Credit Unions Announce Statewide Fundraising Initiative To Raise Funds To Help Haiti Relief Efforts

Maine's credit unions have begun a statewide fundraising initiative called, 'Maine People Helping People Across The Earth - A Fund For Haiti', to help raise funds for the millions of people impacted by the recent 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti.

In conjunction with the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF), Maine's credit unions have activated a safe and secure web site to raise money for credit union employees, volunteers and members in Haiti. In addition to online contributions, a number of credit unions have set-up donation canisters in their lobbies to collect funds for this effort.

According to the World Council of Credit Unions, there is an active credit union movement in Haiti made up of 175 credit unions serving nearly 500,000 members. News reports believe that three million people have been affected and displaced by the earthquake and thousands are feared dead. Many victims have taken to sleeping in the streets.

To help immediately, the Maine Credit Union League has activated its online disaster relief system at www.cuaid.coop/maine to collect contributions for this tragedy. All donations via CUAid will be forwarded to credit union organizations in affected areas through the National Credit Union Foundation, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League, called the circumstances in Haiti "something that impacts all of us and awakens a desire for people to help. Maine's credit unions are about 'people helping people,' no matter where it is. From the tsunami to Hurricane Katrina, Maine credit unions and their members have a long history of answering the call to help others. Since 100% of all donations will go directly to the impacted areas, every dollar contributed will make a difference."

To make a safe and secure donation to the fundraising effort, visit