Fundraiser in Caledonia to support Ukraine on Saturday
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — While the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia remains thousands of miles away, it has had a seismic impact on people across the world — including some in West Michigan.
Oleksandra Soltinska, Olena Biielova and Merharyta Atrepiev have watched Ukraine, their home country, from afar through the duration of the war. It has taken its toll on all of them.
'It's really hard for any Ukrainians,' Biielova said.'It doesn't matter where you live, it's still your home country.
Ukrainians in West Michigan worry about diplomatic tensions
'Everyday, every morning, you check the news,' she continued. 'You worry if your relative's alive, if your friend's still there. It's just been an endless three and a half years.'
They are organizing an event from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Caledonia Lakeside Park with traditional Ukrainian food, music and dancing. Donations collected at the event will go toward medical supplies for Ukraine.
'We're going to help a lot for kids who lost their parents, for orphanage, and also for soldiers who's recovering here in the United States and trying to get prosthetics to keep their life somehow normal still,' Biielova said.
Worried about shifting US policy, Ukraine supporters rally in Grand Rapids
The upcoming event is one of several that have been put together for Ukrainians around West Michigan. Last year, Soltinska helped organize an event to raise money for six soldiers who need rehabilitation and prosthetics.
'We're just like one little family here, trying to help and support whoever needs that support over there,' Biielova said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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