WASHINGTON–The Via Stella Foundation, the joint U.S./Polish charity to help Ukrainian credit unions and refugees in the wake of the attacks by Russia, raised nearly $150,000 during an event here.
At a reception hosted by Mitchell Stankovic Associates, which was also among the co-founders of Via Stella, 14 pledges were announced of at least $140,900. The event was held at the same time America’s Credit Unions was meeting in Washington.
Jay Mossman of AKUVO, who has personally been very supportive of the charity, also challenged participants with a match of $20,000.
Others who announced donations were Mitchell Stankovic, Peach State Credit Union, Kinecta FCU, Trumark Financial Credit Union, American Heritage Credit Union, Unitus Credit Union, Arrha Credit Union, Cross State Credit Union Association and Defense Credit Union Council.
Many pledged support for specific items.
Specific Pledges
For example, American Heritage CU in Philadelphia committed for an ambulance to be delivered to Ukraine, while others pledged funds for a small or large generator or to support the operation of refugee women’s health clinics or refugee children education support.
The Via Stella Foundation said some of the monthly costs related to individual items include:
- Women’s Health Clinic One, $ 1,100
- Ambulance, $21,200
- Education Monthly Cost, $ 2,300
- Small Generator, $ 2,000
- Large Generator, $10,000
On the Ground Activities
Meanwhile, representatives of Poland’s trade association shared with CUToday.info what has been taking place.
“During the winter months of 2022-2023 in Ukraine, Russian bomb strikes against power systems and electrical grids destroyed or damaged 50% of Ukraine’s energy systems,” the National Association of Credit and Savings Unions (NACSCU) said. “Electrical and gas shortages deprived the civilian population of heating, water and light. Repair work continued through the summer and fall months of 2023. Many local communities and large apartment buildings established shared heating points, powered by a single generator in a school, municipal building, basement bomb shelter, local home or even a tent. Here people could warm up, get warm food, get water, charge their cell phone or sleep.”
Via Stella has delivered 41 generators to Ukrainian community centers, hospitals and shared heating points to help families survive the winter cold during the winter of 2022-2023.
The Objective
Via Stella’s objective was to help reduce infirmity and mortality during the winter months.
“During the 2022-23 winter there was surplus capacity in the electrical system,” NACSCU stated. “In 2024, this is was less so because not all has been repaired. Ukraine lacked spare parts and equipment. In particular, it was difficult to acquire and replace transformers. Alternatively, Ukraine expanded air defenses around energy infrastructure and built blast walls around the infrastructure to protect it from missile drone attacks. Solar power and wind generation has started producing more electricity, but it is not yet a significant share.”
Via Stella said it provided another 10 generators to Ukraine during the 2023-2024 winter.
“Whereas the previous year all generators were small generators for heating points, in 2023-2024 these include three larger generators (30-kilowatt)…,” the organization stated.
Heavy Trucks Are Required
According to NACSCU, because of the large size and weight of the last three generators, Via Stella had to ship them via heavy load certified truck drivers. The large generators were sent to the Zaporizhzhia region, where the Russians occupy the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The transport of the generators was handled by Igor Tracz, who regularly organizes convoys to Ukraine as part of his foundation.
“The Russians have attacked and destroyed much of the surrounding area electrical and water infrastructure,” NACSCU stated. “Ukrainian forces restrict counter batteries for fear of damaging the nuclear power plant.”
The large generators are to be placed in secure location to provide power to the local communities in the Zaporizhzhia area.
A Ukrainian TV report of the delivery of some of the generators can be watched here.
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