The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) has launched an appeal to support Nepal’s co-operatives and credit unions affected by the earthquake. The disaster has surpassed 5,000 and the total is expected to rise to as many as 10,000.
“All of our Nepalese colleagues are safe though some have lost family members and many are still sleeping outside,” says CDF President Cheryl Byrne. “Our hearts are with our fellow co-operators and their families as they struggle through this most difficult time.”
Canadian co-operatives and credit unions have supported co-op development in Nepal through the work of CDF and the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) for many years. Reports have indicated massive damage to co-ops and credit unions.
“Many relief agencies are responding quickly to meet immediate needs for food, water and shelter. CDF is focusing on long-term recovery to enable credit unions and co-operatives to rebuild damaged buildings and restore services to their members,” says CCA Executive Director Michael Casey. “Co-operative enterprises are engines of development in their communities. CDF support will be important in restoring member businesses, jobs and income.”
CDF has stated that it will work with other funding partners to leverage disaster relief and rehabilitation funding and will share updates from their partners in Nepal as their status becomes available.
Donations to the NEPAL Earthquake Relief Fund can be made online or by phone at 1.866.266.7677 ext. 605, or by mail to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada, 275 Bank Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2L6.