CDF Disaster Grant helps Typhoon Haiyan Recovery

Washington, DC (March 18, 2014) – The Cooperative Development Foundation’s Board of Directors approved a grant of $20,000 to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) to be used to help co-ops and members recover from Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The National Confederation of Cooperatives in the Philippines reported that, as of November 20, at least 350,000 cooperative members had been affected by the typhoon.

Dame Pauline Green, president, International Cooperative Alliance, issued an appeal for donations for co-op recovery in the Philippines.  Robynn Shrader, CEO, National Cooperative Grocers Association, asked that CDF accept donations made for this appeal and forward them to the ICA.

“When tragedies like Haiyan occur, it is heartening to see the cooperative community come together and show the true spirit of our movement, which is that together we are stronger and more effective together than alone,” said Shrader. “Recovery has been slow in the wake of Haiyan, and these monies will be a tremendous help in the re-building effort.”

CDF’s Co-op Disaster Recovery Fund helps co-ops and their members recover from disasters and promotes co-op enterprise in recovering areas. This grant was made possible by a $10,000 donation from the National Cooperative Grocers Association as well as contributions from food co-ops and cooperators around the country.

The Cooperative Development Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation headquartered in Washington, DC.  CDF’s mission is to promote community, economic and social development through cooperative enterprises.  (www.cdf.coop).

The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is an organization that raises awareness about cooperatives and promotes an environment in which cooperatives can thrive. ICA provides advice and financial support to the global cooperative movement.