WASHINGTON–CUNA has issued a resolution supporting Ukrainian credit unions following the Russian invasion, while other credit unions in the U.S. continue to announce donations to help refugees and to launch initiatives urging members to provide support.
“The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine right now deserves our attention, and the CUNA board desires for America’s credit unions to make our stance on it very clear,” said Tony Budet, CUNA’s board chairman and CEO of University Federal Credit Union in Austin, Texas. “Credit unions around the world work to make their members’ financial lives better and will remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine throughout this unprovoked war and, eventually, as the country works to recover.”
The Resolution
CUNA said its board officially resolved to:
- Remain united with Ukrainian credit unions—as well as their counterpart organizations in the U.S. and abroad—as they continue to play a critical role in the financial security of their people
- Support the World Council of Credit Unions and the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions in their efforts to assist displaced credit union members and staff, and to build reserves for credit union recovery and rebuilding through the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund
- Continue to work to ensure access to not-for-profit financial cooperatives for the Ukrainian people through the conflict and eventual rebuilding and recovery.
CUNA said it is also applauding the National Association of Cooperative Savings and Credit Unions—World Council’s direct member association in Poland—and other World Council direct members in the region for coordinating relief efforts in both Poland and Ukraine.
Kitsap CU Launches Campaign
Separately, in Bremerton, Wash., after having already donated $10,000 in support of helping Ukraine refugees, Kitsap Credit Union said it has now created a campaign in hopes of encouraging others in their community to contribute towards “helping the people of the besieged country.”
More than three million people have fled the country and are seeking refuge across Europe.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to our Ukrainian neighbors, and although separated by distance, we stand beside them at the most devastating moment of their lives,” said CEO Shawn Gilfedder.
Kitsap CU said that “since the very first days” it opened its doors its mission has been to help better the lives of those in need, which is why it made its donation to the United Nations Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, which does benevolent via tax-deductible donations to support refugee families.
‘Life-Saving’ Essentials
“The UHF coordinates with the United Nations, partners in Ukraine, neighboring countries, and the authorities to help and protect refugees and people displaced by violence, conflict, and persecution,” Kitsap CU stated. “The financial support will help provide life-saving essentials including shelter, water, food, safety, and protection for those in need.”
The credit union said it is has now kicked off a campaign through its local branches, website, and social media platforms that includes animated messages, informational posts, as well as appeal videos from Kitsap Credit Union team members that encouraging members and the community to show their support for Ukrainian families in need.
We Florida Makes $25K Donation
InMargate, Fla., meanwhile, We Florida Financial Credit Union has donated $25,000 to the World Council’s Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund.
“It is our honor to support the efforts of our fellow financial institutions in providing much need relief to the Ukrainian credit union system,” said Robert D. Ramirez, president & CEO of We Florida Financial. “We hope our contribution can assist in providing aid to the people that have lost their homes, jobs and financial security both now and in the future as they navigate these incredibly horrific times. We also ask that our local colleagues join us with their support as well.”
Upon announcement of the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund, the $600-million We Florida Financial said it was moved to contribute due to the impact on their fellow industry colleagues in Ukraine, but also on their very own associates.
One Employee’s Personal Story
Tatiana Wright, compliance specialist at We Florida Financial who was born in the region and who still has a grandmother in Ukraine, added, “it means a lot to me to be part of a team that is making an effort to help people and organizations across the ocean and hours away, and to show that they are not forgotten, not left alone to fight for survival. People just want a safe place to sleep, warm food on the table and a hug from their loved ones. These are such simple things that are taken for granted but mean so much during these uncertain times and I feel humbled, that the organization I work for has committed to helping.”
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