ICMIF member Coopenae (Costa Rica) is helping its members address any problems they face due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, through a range of initiatives and in particular a website launched specifically to help its members with issues around finances during the pandemic.

The recently launched Coopenae coronavirus website has video tutorials to help members know how to carry out essential financial transactions such as transfers, payment of services, credit requests, card payments and many other processes from their homes and without the need to go to one of Coopenae’s branches. The company is also using its Facebook page to communicate with members; to encourage them to use digital or phone channels; and to reinforce the government’s “Stay at home” message.

The organisation’s banking operations in particular have offered members: free bank transfers; including international transfers to support divided families or businesses in need of cross-border movements of money; reduced interest rates on loans; and extended credit terms.

In addition, Coopenae joined a solidarity campaign which was run by the Costa Rican government in April called “With you we can!” The aim of the campaign was to receive financial donations to fund humanitarian aid for vulnerable people and families affected by the coronavirus.

The donations received during the campaign will be used to buy food and cleaning kits for families in need. The identification of recipient families and the distribution of the donations will be channelled through 90 municipal emergency committees throughout the country.