Bruce K. Foulke, President & CEO of American Heritage Credit Union (“American Heritage”), has been recognized by the Via Stella Foundation for his ongoing humanitarian efforts supporting Ukraine amidst the Russia-Ukraine War. Foulke was presented with a plaque and was honored during a meeting held during the Government Affairs Conference (“GAC”) in Washington, D.C. earlier this month.

Foulke began providing support to Ukraine in March of 2022 following a trip to Eastern Europe alongside Dr. Brian Branch, retired President & CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions (“WOCCU”). Foulke and Branch delivered first aid supplies and everyday necessities to Ukrainian refugees, in addition to providing guidance and support to credit union leaders in both Poland and Ukraine. At this time, they met with representatives from the National Association of Co-operative Savings and Credit Unions, Poland (SKOK), which serves more than 2.5 million citizens.

In October of 2022, both Foulke and Branch returned to Eastern Europe to deliver much-needed medical equipment, including ambulances, generators, and first aid supplies. These donations were delivered to children’s hospitals and medical facilities in Ukraine and were a result of Foulke’s efforts in raising $400,000. Foulke also helped to facilitate a collection of toiletries, non-perishable food items, diapers, formula, and more with associates from American Heritage to deliver to Ukrainian refugees in partnership with the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Inc. (“UNWLA”).

“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, President of the Via Stella Foundation.

The Via Stella Foundation, which honored Foulke for his ongoing humanitarian efforts, is an entity managed and coordinated by the National Union of Poland. It “was established on the initiative of representatives of Polish and American credit unions to help people who found themselves in need as a result of unforeseen events.”

“I extend my congratulations to Bruce upon his recent recognition by the Via Stella Foundation,” said James Thompson, Board Member of American Heritage Credit Union. “It has truly been inspiring to witness Bruce’s continued loyalty and compassion in supporting Poland and Ukraine during this difficult time. I know that I speak for the entire Board of Directors when I say that it is a privilege to serve alongside Bruce on the Board, and that American Heritage is fortunate to have him as a leader.”

“I am truly honored to have received this great honor from the Via Stella Foundation,” said Bruce K. Foulke. “I was truly inspired to make a difference and drive real change upon the events of the last four years throughout Eastern Europe. The work we’ve accomplished would not have been possible without the collaboration of many, and what we’ve been able to achieve truly embodies the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’ I thank the Via Stella Foundation again and look forward to continuing to support citizens and organizations throughout Eastern Europe during this time.” 

To learn more about American Heritage, click here. To learn more about the Via Stella Foundation, click here.