On February 6, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria.

The earthquake, the deadliest worldwide since the 2010 Haiti earthquake, caused widespread damage and tens of thousands of fatalities. It was felt as far as Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Cyprus and the Black Sea coast of Turkey.

Many are now asking: What can credit unions do to help?

In response to the devastating earthquake, the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) launched the Turkish Cooperative Earthquake Relief Fund, asking for donations to support Turkey’s cooperative system. The Turkish Cooperative Earthquake Relief Fund will direct support to mitigate the impacts of the recent devastating earthquakes to Turkey’s cooperative movement and those that look to it for support. WFCU, in partnership with the World Council, is working with its partners to identify the immediate priority areas where funding is most needed to support cooperatives and their members.

Credit unions can visit the Turkish Cooperative Earthquake Relief Fund to make a donation.