Credit Union offers donations to Haiti for loans.

The Church of the Brethren Credit Union is announcing a new program to donate $50 to Brethren Disaster Ministries for every loan of $5,000 or more processed between March 1 and April 30. The credit union will donate these funds to help Brethren Disaster Ministries provide food and shelter to the Haitian people.

The new credit union program is founded on the spirit of mutuality, "Brethren helping Brethren," and giving back by aiding our brothers and sisters of Haiti as one way to live up to that value.

"Brethren support is coming from all parts of the US in this time of crisis--and the credit union is a great example of our ministries and members working together to accomplish a common goal," said Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.

Through Brethren Disaster Ministries' relief efforts, $50 can buy six weeks of hot lunches for a child, a water filtration system that can serve up to four families, or almost half of a month's salary for a teacher in Haiti.

"We hope to provide our members with an opportunity to make a great impact on a child or family in Haiti," said Lynnae Rodeffer, credit union director of special projects. "We are eager to serve the needs of our members while serving the needs of the global community."

The Church of the Brethren Credit Union hopes to make its members aware of the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries while providing them this opportunity to contribute to the cause. Despite Brethren across the country donating more than $530,000 to help Haitians through the ministry, this is only the beginning of a long road to rehabilitation in Haiti.

"We need much more to accomplish what we are called to do," observed Winter. "Rebuilding and recovery in Haiti is an enormous task, and it's going to take all of us. I'm excited that the credit union is joining us in our efforts."

Contact the Church of the Brethren Credit Union at 888-832-1383 or CoBCU@brethren.org, visit www.cobcu.org, or join the credit union's Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Elgin-IL/Church-of-the-Brethren-Credit-Union/272035571511?ref=ts.

-- Brian Solem is publications coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source: 3/10/2010 Newsline