Helping Ukraine from Home

By Madalynn Tharp
With the current events concerning the attacks on Ukraine by Russia, many people in Durango,
although quite far from those events, are concerned about the safety of Ukrainian citizens.
People in Durango are acting upon their concerns, in particular, Alena and Vladimir Koshevoy
are taking up the call for action. Vladimir has lived in the US for many years now, but his wife
Alena has only lived here for a little over a year and they both still have many family members
and friends back in Ukraine who are now in direct danger. Alena is fiercely passionate about
helping the people still in Ukraine.

Last Sunday, at the Durango VFW(Veterans of Foreign Wars outpost), Alena organized a gallery
walk with beautiful art donated by local artists for sale, and a meeting to discuss further actions
that will be taken on the matter. “This money will go to support people great[ly]! We have family
in this place and now it is really dangerous and in Kiev the same. My brother must sleep in the
bomb shelters and we are trying to help for [the] creation of bomb shelters,” Alena recounted.

Alena next plans to hold a march in downtown Durango. The march will take place next Sunday,
March 6th from 1:00 to 3:00. They will meet in front of the Durango Rug Company with signs to
show solidarity, support, and raise awareness for those who are suffering in Ukraine. All are
welcome, and all are encouraged to attend!