World Council Supports the Martin Luther King Memorial

World Council of Credit Unions has donated $5,000 in support of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial being built in Washington, DC. The fundraising initiative within the credit union movement is being led by the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC).

"The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial honors the same people that the World Council often works with – the disenfranchised and those with fewer economic advantages," said Pete Crear, CEO, World Council. "The AACUC has volunteered and supported many World Council initiatives over the years and we're proud to be a part of this effort."

The AACUC has been involved with the World Council's annual African Credit Union Congress and SWAMI, the management institute at Strathmore University of Nairobi.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday, November 13 in Washington, DC, with the expected opening in 2008. For more information, including a virtual tour of the monument, or to make a donation, visit www.buildthredream.org.

World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. WOCCU promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. WOCCU advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

WOCCU has implemented more than 275 technical assistance programs in 71 countries. Worldwide, 53,000 credit unions in 100 countries serve 188 million people. Learn more about WOCCU's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.