GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZMQ) – a Washington D.C. nonprofit is working to keep up efforts supporting the war in Ukraine. The German Marshall Fund is hosting a Whistlestop Tour around the Midwest.
The group stopped in Grand Rapids last week to talk with veterans and local refugee groups, working to strengthen democratic values and transatlantic relationships. The fund’s president, Heather Conley, said they hope to let people know what they can do to support Ukrainian refugees and efforts to win the war.
“We really open conversations, we share information, we help connect people because what we want to do is send the message of hope to the Ukrainian people and support them in winning the war,” Conley said. “While sending a message of support to the war, people who are suffering power outages, Their hospitals, their churches are being bombed. Hope is in short supply. We can support their efforts, we can send them hope.”
The German Marshall Fund’s Whistlestop Tour is modeled after the tour taken to support the Marshall Plan after World War Two. With the help of the Grand Rapids non-profit ‘Has Heart’ they talked about what we can do as individuals to support the Ukrainian people.
Oleksandr Kovalenko is one of the co-founders of the Ukrainian Society of Michigan. He spoke with guests at the event about ways to help refugees in Michigan. He also urged people to talk with their representatives about supporting the war and keeping conversations open about the devastation still ongoing overseas.
“The conversation is important because. the war is still ongoing. and it is in our best interest to make sure that Ukraine wins this war and wins as fast as possible.” Kovalenko said. “We help to spread compassion for each other, and that compassion goes not only to Ukraine, but it stays here locally. when we ignite this part of compassion and love for each other, that compassion goes out on the street and we can share that love for each one of us.”
Kovalenko said ensuring Ukraine can win the war, and soon, is important for preventing further conflicts in other European countries and with NATO.
The Ukrainian government has launched a website to help people find resources: u24.gov.ua
