Senator Hassan Recognizes Kateryna Ridley of Dover as March’s Granite Stater of the Month
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized 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.
Kateryna handcrafted wooden Ukrainian flags at home to show support for her home country. Within four days, she received 100 orders and today, the total number of orders is well over 300, with the profits going 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.
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. Kateryna is one of many Granite Staters stepping up to support Ukrainians, showing Ukrainians and the world that New Hampshire – and the United States -- stands with them.
Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.
See the full statement for the Congressional Record below.
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 four 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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