Page 14 - Michigan Credit Union League: CU Impact Report
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14 CREDIT UNION IMPACT REPORT FALL 2020
DISASTER RELIEF:
COMING TOGETHER FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED
On May 19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state donation was distributed among the American Red
of emergency in Midland and Gladwin Counties Cross of East Central Bay-Michigan, the Midland
following catastrophic flooding as a cause of dam Area Community Foundation, the Midland County
breakages. The two dam breaks, which happened Emergency Food Pantry Network, United Way of
after heavy rain, caused approximately 10,000 people Clare and Gladwin Counties and United Way of
in the area to immediately evacuate their homes. Midland County for use on a variety of flood relief
Within two days, two more counties, Saginaw initiatives.
and Arenac Counties were included in the state of
emergency and Pres. Donald Trump announced the “It was amazing to see the credit unions in the Mid-
disaster as a federal emergency. Michigan Chapter organize this relief fund, and to
see the funds that were given not only by MCUF but
In response, MCUL and Michigan Credit Union organizations across the state. To see how the leaders
Foundation (MCUF) donated $10,000 each in of credit unions of this region jumped into action
support of those impacted by the flood. On top of right away was very heartening,” said DCECU CEO
that $20,000, after donations from credit unions, Michael Goad.
chapters, executives and other employees, the total
reached $163,700. “We know people have been able to clean up their
homes, renovate basements, replace utilities and
To utilize these funds, Midland area credit unions other things that were ruined in order to get their
andthe Mid-Michigan Chapter of Credit Unions put lives back in order,” Goad said, speaking to the
together a grant program to be able to help 325 fund impact. “There’s a lot of work to do still, but
families deal with flood damage to their homes. it has been great to be a part of the credit union
movement, help members during this time.”
“In a world that is so divided and angry these days, I
know for sure that I can count on the credit union The League knew it was an especially difficult
industry to help me see that collaboration and time, financially, so it wasn’t an easy time to ask for
kindness do exist!” said Mid-Michigan Chapter donations. However, having this flood happen during
President Bridget Staffileno. the COVID-19 crisis meant its victims were in an
even more precarious situation. That Michigan credit
In addition to the pledge coordinated by MCUL unions recognized this and immediately mobilized is
and MCUF, the Midland-based DCECU committed remarkable and indicative of a movement that steps
a total of $100,000 to assist with relief efforts. The up for their neighbors in need.
