ST. PAUL, Minn. (Sept. 08, 2017) – Affinity Plus has joined with credit unions across the United States to assist fellow credit union members in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey.

As it invites members to donate, the Minnesota-based credit union also is matching member donations up to $10,000, officials said. And it has reached out directly to Affinity Plus members who either live in Texas or have residences there.

“Like people everywhere, we watched with shock and sadness as the torrential rains, floodwaters and aftermath devastated Houston, Texas, the surrounding communities and Gulf Coast region,” said Dave Larson, Affinity Plus president/CEO. “Now we’re part of a nation-wide effort to help our fellow credit union members there.”

NATIONWIDE COORDINATION

Affinity Plus is coordinating its hurricane-relief efforts with the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) to target donations for credit union members in Texas. Credit union supporters and others can donate at cuaid.coop. 

One hundred percent of donations through CUAid goes to Hurricane Harvey disaster relief, said Gigi Hyland, NCUF executive director.

“Everyone who supports CUAid is helping and assisting affected credit union members directly with critical, longer-term recovery and operational needs,” Hyland said.

In the event that all donations are not used for Hurricane Harvey relief, the National Credit Union Foundation will transfer unused funds to its "General Disaster Relief fund" for future disaster relief efforts, she added.

Larson said Affinity Plus leaders agreed an additional $10,000 match for local member contributions was in line with Caring, one of the credit union’s three core values.

“As members and human beings, we never can take for granted how lucky we are to have basics like food, clothing and shelter. The people along the Gulf Coast have a long road ahead of them, and we’re just grateful we’re able to give.” 

Affinity Plus members also will be able to donate Participation Reward Points, which they earn while banking with the credit union.

AFFINTY PLUS MEMBERS IN TEXAS

At the same time, Larson said Harvey’s impact isn’t just a distant tragedy for which Affinity Plus is raising money. The Minnesota-based credit union has members around the country and world, and have identified about 800 with Texas connections.

“We’re already working with some of those members on ways that we can work together financially to help them get back on their feet,” he said, noting that Affinity Plus has assigned two staff as go-to contacts for members affected by Hurricane Harvey.

He added that help could come in the form of loans or arranging delayed loan payments as members work to get back on their feet.

ABOUT AFFINITY PLUS

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930 and based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus has 27 branches throughout the state and is owned by more than 185,000 members. Affinity Plus has over $1.9 billion in assets and $3.5 billion in assets under management. Additional information is available at affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.