WASHINGTON–Four years ago, with credit unions in town for CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference, Russia invaded Ukraine and credit unions immediately pledged help. In 2026, during what is now America’s Credit Unions GAC, it was clear the fire of those opposing that invasion and providing help hasn’t cooled and includes the F word.
Speaking to Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground conference, Rafal Matusiak, who heads NACSCU, Poland’s national credit union trade association, shared an update on Via Stella, the foundation immediately created in the wake of the invasion that is a bridge between funds raised in the United States and the credit unions, refugees and victims in Poland and Ukraine. Via Stella was created by Matusiak, along with Brian Branch, the retired CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions, and Susan Mitchell of Mitchell Stankovic.
‘Nothing Brings Us More Joy’
“What we do is possible thanks to people at credit unions. We are a big credit union family,” said Matusiak. “Your generosity means we continue to raise funds. Our involvement is 100% volunteerism. We provide aid in Poland and send aid to Ukraine. Nothing brings us more joy than the smiles of children who, thanks to you, receive new books, meals, and opportunities to visit interesting places, and at least to forget for a moment that they are in a foreign country and people are dying.”
Matusiak noted Poland has filled with refugees from Ukraine, most of whom are women and children. Via Stella has provided funds for medical treatments for women, orphans, and others.
‘Dark & Frozen’
“Try to imagine suddenly having no access to electricity, to having no water, no heating,” said Matusiak. “In Ukraine, this is everyday life. Dark, and frozen apartments. Here, too, we are providing help. We have provided a whole host of generators to apartments, hospitals and other places. You can’t imagine the gratitude of people who have dreamed of heating up a meal or calling their husbands on the front line. This work is bearing wonderful fruits. May God bless you.”
Kicking the Bastards’ Asses
Before he concluded, with many people weary and fatigued of hearing about the war, Matusiak made clear he and others may be weary, but they remain determined.
“There is no place for diplomacy in the war. No place for polite phrases,” Matusiak said. “We will not give into these Russian bastards, and we will finally kick their asses and get them the fuck out of Ukraine.”
