WASHINGTON–One year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, credit unions gathered here were offered an update on credit union efforts to help the country and its refugees.
Rafal Matusiak, president and CEO of Poland’s national credit union trade association, NACSCU, shared with attendees at Mitchell Stankovic’s “Underground: Shattered” event here that many lives have indeed been shattered, but that U.S. and Polish credit unions are also playing a critical role in helping to put some of those lives back together.
As CUToday.info has reported here, Mitchell Stankovic, along with former World Council of Credit Unions’ CEO Brian Branch, joined with Poland’s credit unions to create the Via Stella Foundation, which has been raising funds and also distributing aid to Ukraine.
‘The Record for Hypocrisy’
“A lot has been happening, thanks to the generosity of the American credit union community,” said Matusiak. “It’s been a year since Russian’s attack on Ukraine. They continue to call it a special operation, supposedly to fight fascism. The record is hypocrisy has been broken once again. In this, the Russians have no equal.
“What is most important and what hurts the most is the Ukrainian nation has been going through the hell of war for 12 moths now. People die regardless of age and gender,” he continued. “Many had to leave their homes; the scale of the damage is unbelievable. In the suffering there are also people with a heart. People who are empathetic and who cannot remain indifferent to other people’s tragedies.
“Our Common Story”
“And here begins our common story. People with the credit union systems in the United States and Poland. This story is written by the heart. Thank you for your sensitivity and help, which saved many lives. By buying and sending to Ukraine medicine, bandages, ambulances, food and generators, we save human lives. Can there be anything more beautiful than knowing you had a hand in such a project?”
Matusiak said the Foundation has now bought five fully equipped ambulances to send to Ukraine to bring people to hospitals, and also purchased 41 electrical generators, in addition to food aid and more.
“Equally important to us is the support we provide to refugees staying in Poland,” Matusiak explained. “Here we use the Foundation funds to finance long-term programs. What could be most important for refugees in Poland? What constitutes a sense of security. We concluded a place to live and health care give a sense of security.”
Two Programs Created
In response, he said two programs are in place. The first provides financial support to get refugees into apartments. Polish credit unions identify people who need help and then open accounts at the credit union for them, into which the foundation deposits about $400 every month for six months. Assistance is currently being provided to 18 families, he said.
A second program aims to bring better health care to women, who make up the bulk of refugees, along with their children. Matusiak said $50,000 has been budgeted to provide funding to two clinics, and the organization is considering expansion into pediatric consultations.
“What’s important is the fact this will be needed for a long time. Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine will not end soon,” said Matusiak. “And when it’s over the time of rebuilding the country will begin. All this means are help will be needed for a longer time. Now, we are thinking from a perspective of two to three years.”
He reminded that Polish credit union employees are donating their time and efforts to the foundation so that it incurs no overhead costs.
Kicking Russian Ass
“Thank you for your support and open hearts and please continue to support us,” he said. “Together, we implement this important project and help kick Russian ass. Ukrainians dream of peace and a free homeland. It’s worth having a part in making this dream come true.”