CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Contact

News

Home » ‘Something like this shouldn’t happen in 2022’
Community Service

‘Something like this shouldn’t happen in 2022’

Ukrainian-American credit unions remain steadfast in support of homeland through strong emotions.

March 17, 2022
Ron Jooss
No Comments
2022-03-Ukraine-CU_120720

Ukrainian-American credit unions continue to support their brethren under attack in Ukraine with every resource they can mobilize from such a great distance. 

But for Andre Vygnanski and others, each day resonates with a mix of raw emotions that include anger, sadness, fear, and uncertainty, but little comfort despite their best efforts.

How you can help:

  • WOCCU: Ukranian CU Displacement Fund
  • Ukrainian-American Crisis Response Committee

“Do you remember 9/11?” says Vygnanksi, CEO of $129 million asset Ukrainian Selfreliance Michigan Federal Credit Union, Clinton Township, Mich. “Do you remember the moment you saw the first tower go down? For us, every day is like that, over and over.”

Vygnanski says the attack on Ukraine “is surreal. Something that shouldn’t happen in 2022.”

Vygnanski is chair of the nominating committee at the Ukrainian-American Credit Union Association (UACUA). Ukrainian-American credit unions were organized after World War II to help refugees who emigrated to the U.S. 

Today, the UACUA has 12 member credit unions with roughly 100,000 members and $4 billion in assets.

UACUA member credit unions have always been active in their communities, Vygnanski says. 

“We work with legislators,” he says. “We’ve taken in refugees. We’ve assisted with English as a second language schools, Ukrainian Catholic schools, and what we call Saturday schools.”

Currently, the group’s focus is on medical aid. “Mainly it’s logistics,” he says. “Many local hospitals and medical centers have donated. The response has been incredible.”

Locally, he credits the Michigan Credit Union League for its assistance.

Those who want to donate to the cause can do so through the World Council of Credit Unions’ Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund or the Ukrainian-American Crisis Response Committee.

“Other credit unions have started their own drives, collecting blankets, diapers, formula, canned goods, and clothes,” Vygnanski says, although not all donations are emergency items. “For a child who lost everything, a stuffed animal means a lot. It’s something they can hold on to when there’s nothing else.”

Vygnanski attended the 2022 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., and came away impressed with how credit unions can connect for a common cause, unlike virtually any industry.

He believes that same spirit can be applied to this crisis.

“If you know someone who works in a medical facility or a hospital, please contact them,” Vygnanski says. “They may know someone who can help us access additional resources. That’s a huge help as well.”


KEYWORDS ukraine

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine: Spring 2023

Spring 2023

Credit Union Magazine’s Spring 2023 issue features the 2023 Credit Union Heroes and examines CUNA-League advocacy priorities, board leadership, the impact of financial well-being efforts, fee-related compliance issues, predictions for the year ahead, and more.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • Compliance: FinCEN issues issue BOI reporting guidance

  • Bill would establish ‘appropriate compliance timeline’ for section 1071

  • CUNA Mascot Madness: One semifinal set; Vote for the best in the West

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

CUNA Mascot Madness: Which South Region mascot is your favorite?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us