Ukrainian flag.

Recently in Washington, DC, credit union representatives, including members of the Rivermark leadership team, heard from Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States while at the CUNA Government Affairs Conference. That evening, the Ambassador received a standing ovation during the State of the Union address. Ms. Markarova was previously the Ukrainian Finance Minister and is very supportive of credit unions in Ukraine, knowing first-hand the positive effect of not-for-profit financial cooperatives in her country.

We are joining credit unions from around the world to support the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund, which will direct support to mitigate both short and long-term impacts to Ukraine's credit union system and those that look to it for support, including both employees and members. Rivermark has donated $5,000 to the Fund, along with other Oregon Credit Unions.

The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) in partnership with the World Council (WOCCU), is leveraging our global network to identify the immediate priority areas where funding can be used to support displaced credit union members and staff. What is currently known is that it's very difficult to directly impact citizens, so we hope that a coordinated effort will make the largest impact.

How You Can Offer Support

We invite members to make a financial donation to support health and human needs in Ukraine. We encourage donations to the following funds to assist those impacted by the situation in Ukraine and bordering countries. It is highly encouraged that individuals research organizations prior to making a donation.

  • The Ukranian Credit Union Displacement Fund: Directs support to mitigate both short and long-term impacts to Ukraine's credit union system and those that look to it for support, including both employees and members.
  • Ukraine Humanitarian Fund: Contributions are collected into a single, unearmarked fund and managed locally under UN leadership. As crises evolve, funds are made directly and immediately available to a wide range of partner organizations at the front lines of response. This way, funding reaches the people most in need when they need it.

Seth Schaefer, President/CEO
Rivermark Community Credit Union