PHILADELPHIA — Bruce K. Foulke, president and CEO of American Heritage Credit Union, has been recognized by the Via Stella Foundation for his humanitarian efforts supporting Ukraine during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War.
Foulke’s involvement began in March 2022, following a trip to Eastern Europe with Brian Branch, the retired president and CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions. During that visit, the two delivered first aid supplies and essential goods to Ukrainian refugees and provided support to credit union leaders in Poland and Ukraine. They also met with representatives of the National Association of Co-operative Savings and Credit Unions, known as SKOK, which serves more than 2.5 million people.
Campaign Raises More Than $400K
Foulke and Branch returned to the region in October 2022, delivering medical equipment, including ambulances, generators and first aid supplies, to hospitals and medical facilities in Ukraine. The effort followed Foulke’s fundraising campaign that generated approximately $400,000, the foundation said.
In addition, Foulke helped coordinate donations of toiletries, food, diapers and other essentials through American Heritage Credit Union employees, working in partnership with the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America to support refugees.
“Bruce has a big heart. People in Poland and Ukraine will always remember what he and American Heritage Credit Union have done for them in their hour of need,” said Rafal Matusiak in a statement.
‘Inspiring Leadership’
The Via Stella Foundation said it was established by representatives of Polish and American credit unions to assist individuals affected by unexpected crises and is managed in coordination with Poland’s National Union.
James Thompson, a board member of American Heritage Credit Union, said Foulke’s leadership has been “inspiring” during the humanitarian response.
Foulke said the recognition reflects a broader collaborative effort.
“I was truly inspired to make a difference and drive real change,” he said in a statement. “What we’ve been able to achieve truly embodies the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’”
