The Co-op Credit Union joined the World Council of Credit Unions (Woccu) on a fundraising campaign to support credit unions in countries affected by natural disasters.
The credit union is asking customers to go digital when they send Christmas cards this year and make a donation in return for an electronic card.
The campaign was launched to support Project Storm Break, an initiative providing relief, volunteers and technical expertise to get credit unions and their members back on their feet after a natural disaster.
Those interested can make a contribution online and designate their gift to the Project Storm Break fund. In exchange, they will be able to select and download one or several cards and customise template messages.
Co-op Credit Union and Woccu are also encouraging co-operators to promote the campaign on social media using #ProjectStormBreak and tagging @WOCCU and @CoopCreditUnion.
According to the Greeting Card Association, nearly 100 million single Christmas cards were sold in 2017. Charities estimate that £50m is raised for good causes through the sales of charity Christmas cards each year.
Andrew Davey, operations manager at the Co-op Credit Union, said: “The costs of purchasing, writing and postage can easily be in excess of £50 per household. Instead, why not send a digital Christmas card? Quick and easy, no paper, no fuss, and from the money you save you can help those less fortunate than yourselves by making a donation.”
The Co-op Credit Union serves current employees and pensioners of a wide range of co-operative organisations across the UK.
“Co-operation amongst co-operatives is a core belief of the co-operative movement. As a co-operator, I know that together we can achieve this US $100,000 goal to provide those funds,” added Mr Davey.
So far, the campaign has raised US $4,120. Reaching the US $100,000 target for the General Disaster Relief Fund would enable the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions to immediately respond to any disaster that strikes in the international credit union movement. The foundation is the international development and charitable arm of Woccu whose members come from 89 different countries.
