The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues has pledged $100,000 toward Ukrainian financial relief efforts to help sustain credit union employees and members who are most in need as the current crisis unravels across that country.

“From thousands of miles away, we stand with our movement and remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s humanitarian plight as local credit unions, staff and members are besieged by a lack of food, water, housing, and other supplies and operational resources,” said Diana Dykstra, president/CEO of the Leagues. “Our trade association’s daily mission to help credit unions change people’s lives is emboldened during times like these, no matter where the devastation is taking place and help is needed.”

The Leagues’ contribution to the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund will directly support mitigation of both short and long-term impacts to Ukraine's credit union system, including displaced credit union employees, members, and challenges to the country's credit union system over the long term. The California Credit Union League pledged $75,000 and the Nevada Credit Union League pledged $25,000.

The credit union system — including state leagues, industry partners, and locally headquartered credit unions across both states and the nation — has a long history of working together to support communities during disasters at home and abroad. Brought on by war, the current emergency in Ukraine is no different as it affects residents, workers, and their families through hardship and isolation.

SAFE CU CEO Dave Roughton and Clark County CU CEO Matt Kershaw, respective chairmen of the California Credit Union League and Nevada Credit Union League, said their boards are honored to participate in such an admirable purpose. They both noted that Ukrainian credit unions and members are enduring a painful and unfortunate period in history, and how credit union leaders will always band together to go above and beyond in assisting their colleagues and peers wherever possible during times of affliction and misfortune.

“Credit unions at their core are about people helping people, wherever they are,” Roughton said. “The California Credit Union League stands united with credit unions across the United States in assisting our fellow credit unions and their employees in Ukraine who are doing all they can in horrifying conditions. California has a large Ukrainian population, and we know many are concerned about their families and working diligently to provide them support. We are honored to be able to support their cause.”

Kershaw agreed. “Member communities are the backbone of all credit unions worldwide,” he said. “In addition to the Nevada Credit Union League’s effort, we have also asked our own credit union’s members and employees to join in this effort to help bridge the gap for our fellow Ukrainian credit union members.”

In addition to the California League and Nevada League, credit unions from both states are stepping up to donate to the fund. So far they include California CU, Patelco CU, SchoolsFirst FCU, SESLOC FCU, Stanford FCU, and Yolo FCU (California credit unions); and Greater Nevada CU (Nevada credit unions). Several others in both states are also considering donating. Combined with donations from across the nation, the credit union movement’s generosity has helped push the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund's total balance higher week by week, with financial support reaching more than $453,500 as of March 22.

The displacement fund was recently created by the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) in partnership with the World Council of Credit Unions to send support to Ukraine's credit union system. World Council is leveraging its global network to identify immediate priority areas where funding can be used.

The Leagues would like to thank and applaud credit union leaders, staff, and volunteers across California and Nevada who have upheld a longstanding mission of people helping people by donating to this worthy cause.

“This is just one example of why credit unions exist — to take care of their members and so many others within the communities they serve,” Dykstra added. “We are proud of our California League and Nevada League boards and our credit unions, and we are honored to be involved in such a noble worldwide effort.”