On February 24, 2022, Russia expanded its 2014 invasion of Ukraine to a full-scale war impacting all regions of the sovereign nation. Grief and disbelief gripped our communities in the U.S. from coast to coast as many of our members, at the time of the invasion, still had relatives and friends living in Ukraine. While uncertainty, fear, and worry continue to consume the lives of many of our members, as well as employees, we at Ukrainian Federal Credit Union (“UFCU”) adapted to the needs of our members by temporarily waiving all MoneyGram and wire transfer fees to Ukraine, for example. This initiative alone saved members over $50,000 over the course of two months.

Our 70+ common bond churches and community organizations quickly mobilized and established humanitarian and medical aid campaigns to support Ukraine, and many committed to upholding their efforts until the end of the war. In staying true to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” many of our employees are also active volunteers within various Ukraine-focused community organizations and churches.

As we write this Ukraine remains resilient, but has also reached out to the international community for continued help in any form possible. Today UFCU announces a donation of $50,000 to the Ukrainian-American Community Foundation (“UAC Foundation”), who has supported an array of community, cultural, humanitarian, and educational initiatives since 2010.

President & Board Chairman of UFCU, Wasyl Kornylo, said that,

“This donation comes at a critical time. Organizations and churches that have been assisting Ukraine since the beginning of the war now need additional funding to maintain their operations, and in some cases, expand their reach. We believe that the UAC Foundation is capable of getting these funds to the people and places that need it most.”

CEO of UFCU, Oleg Lebedko added,

“The outpouring of support from all of our communities across the U.S. is truly heartfelt, and it’s evident that Ukrainians, as well as non-Ukrainians, living here are compelled to help Ukraine. The challenge now is to keep the momentum going, and we encourage everyone reading this to stand with Ukraine and offer your support in any way that is possible.”

Want to help Ukraine? Please visit → https://ukrainianfcu.org/community/news-events/help-ukraine-now/

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About UFCU

UFCU was founded in 1953 by Ukrainian-Americans in Rochester, New York, and provides service in English and Ukrainian languages to meet the needs of over 23,500 members. The credit union with assets exceeding $350 million has 13 full-service branch offices nationwide and employs more than 80 individuals. Branches are located in New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, North Carolina, California, Oregon and Washington. Members of over 70 common bond organizations may join the credit union. You don’t have to be Ukrainian to join! UFCU is insured by NCUA. For more information visit → www.ukrainianfcu.org.