[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 30, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S1864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO KATERYNA RIDLEY

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Kateryna 
Ridley of Dover as March's Granite Stater of the Month. Kateryna, who 
is originally from Ukraine, is spearheading efforts in Dover to support 
her home country after Putin's unconscionable invasion of Ukraine.
  As Kateryna watched Russia's attack, she agonized over whether her 
friends and family in Ukraine were safe or had access to essential 
goods. As she continued to receive worrying calls from friends and 
family, she decided that she needed to take action to help her 
Ukrainian community.
  Kateryna's effort started with a trip to the store to buy blue and 
yellow paint, along with wood and other supplies that she used to 
create small Ukrainian flags. She went on to share her creations over 
social media, and within 4 days, she received 100 orders from people 
who were eager to show their support for Ukraine. Today, the total 
number of orders is well over 300, and Kateryna is donating her profits 
to help get Ukrainians everyday necessities.
  Kateryna also spearheaded efforts to collect donations such as 
medical supplies, first aid, personal hygiene supplies, and baby items 
to send to Ukraine. She coordinated with Dover community leaders to 
organize a donation drive for Ukraine at a recent rally, and she was 
overjoyed with the response from her community as countless neighbors 
donated goods and came up to her to express their support and sympathy 
for the people of Ukraine.
  During a time of immense duress--worrying for the safety of her 
family and friends back at home--Kateryna has found a way to make a 
real difference. From working in her woodshop for hours, to organizing 
donations of essential goods to Ukraine, Kateryna is working hard from 
the Granite State to reach her Ukrainian community during their time of 
need. I commend her for her efforts and for her spirit, which reflects 
the best of our State.
  Kateryna is one of many Granite Staters, representing our Live Free 
or Die State, who is stepping up to support Ukrainians amid Putin's 
horrific war. As the U.S. and our allies continue to impose crippling 
sanctions on Russia and send military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, 
individual efforts from people like Kateryna are making a tangible 
difference in Ukrainians' lives. They are showing Ukrainians and the 
world that New Hampshire--and the United States--stands with them, for 
their freedom and democracy.

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