WFCU Activates Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort for Caribbean Credit Unions

MADISON, Wis.—Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) has activated its Project Storm Break disaster relief initiative in response to Hurricane Melissa, which has caused catastrophic damage across Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean.

The Category 5 storm made landfall on October 28, sweeping from Jamaica’s southeast coast through the island’s center to Montego Bay, with sustained winds above 185 mph. Entire communities were devastated—homes lost roofs or were destroyed, infrastructure collapsed, and key agricultural regions suffered massive crop losses. Large portions of Jamaica remain without electricity, water, telecom and internet services, while flooding has left more than two dozen communities isolated.

Credit unions across Jamaica are already coordinating relief efforts alongside the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) and CUNA Caribbean, preparing and delivering 1,000 care packages, tarpaulins and bottled water to affected communities in the hardest-hit areas.

Through Project Storm Break, WFCU will work with the CCCU Development Foundation and the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League (JCCUL) to assess the needs of credit union members and staff, providing emergency and long-term recovery support.

“This hurricane has tested our resilience, but it has also reminded us of the strength of our cooperative family,” said Denise Garfield, General Manager of CCCU. “With the support of WFCU and our global credit union partners, we will recover and rebuild stronger together.”

The relief effort is already being bolstered by international support. The TruStage Foundation (USA), the philanthropic arm of TruStage^TM, a financially strong insurance and financial services provider, has pledged $50,000, and Sicredi—World Council of Credit Unions’ Direct Member and the largest credit union system in Brazil—has contributed $10,000 to aid recovery and reconstruction.

WFCU invites its global champions and credit union partners to join the relief effort through Project Storm Break—ensuring vital resources reach those most in need and helping Jamaican credit union communities recover and rebuild.

Donations are now being accepted here.

A credit union office in Jamaica damaged by Hurricane Melissa

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