LÉVIS, QC, July 12, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Today Desjardins Group has announced a series of measures to assist the victims of the Lac-Mégantic disaster, as part of its ongoing relief efforts for the affected community.
The following flexible options are being offered to the Desjardins individual and business members who have been affected by this tragedy:
- Deferral of payments—including capital and interest—on mortgage loans, personal loans and lines for a period of up to three months
- Deferral of all payments—including capital and interest—on Visa Desjardins cards and Accord D financing plans for a period of up to three months
- Deferral of payments on government-guaranteed student loans
- Credit relief for local businesses (special arrangements can also be made with their caisse or Desjardins Business centre)
- A special Accord D financing plan offered at local Accord D retailers to help victims make their purchases over the coming weeks
- No Desjardins Card Services invoices for retailers who have not made a transaction since the disaster
- Priority replacement of merchant equipment and POS terminals at no cost
- Priority replacement of debit and credit cards
These new measures are an extension of relief initiatives Desjardins has undertaken since the tragedy, which include a $100,000 corporate donation to the Red Cross, funds collection from the population through its caisse network and the Desjardins Aid Fund. In addition, claims experts from Desjardins Insurance have been onsite since last Saturday to guide the victims in their claims procedures. A dedicated psychological support line has also been opened. Desjardins employees located in Lac-Mégantic and in the region have been working hard since the beginning to support their fellow citizens.
Desjardins will cooperate actively with government bodies to coordinate the various relief measures and programs that will be implemented over the next few weeks.
Desjardins members can contact their caisse or call 1-800-CAISSES (1-800-224-7737) for additional information.
About Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada with assets over $200 billion. Drawing on the strength of its caisse network in Québec and Ontario and its subsidiaries across Canada, it offers a full range of financial products and services to its members and clients. Desjardins specializes in Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance, in Property and Casualty Insurance, in Personal Services, in Business and Institutional Services. Best Corporate Citizen in Canada for 2012 and among Canada's Top 100 Employers, Desjardins is supported by the skills of its 44,942 employees and the commitment of 5,268 elected officers. Desjardins members and the general public are invited to visit Desjardins Group's education and cooperation program website at www.desjardins.com/co-opme.
SOURCE: Desjardins Group
(for journalists only):
Nathalie Genest
Spokesperson, Desjardins Group
Tel.: 514-281-7275 or 1 866 866-7000, ext. 7275
Email: [email protected]
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