Illinois State alum supports Ukrainian refugees four years into the war | News

Illinois State University alum works to help Ukrainian refugees as the war in Ukraine continues

Thursday marked the fourth anniversary of the ongoing war in Ukraine. As the conflict rages on, Illinois State University alum Jeffrey Walsh is helping Ukrainian refugees find a sense of normalcy and the strength to endure during this time.

Walsh began volunteering at the United Nations Children’s Fund three months after the war began, and it was not what he had imagined.

“I was expecting hysteria and breakdowns, but I was met with bravery in the face of adversity. They had a stoic nature to them that I was in awe of,” Walsh said.

During his time volunteering, Walsh taught English to many refugees and worked to keep their minds off the devastation taking place in their country. Being of Polish descent himself, Walsh recalled growing up with many Ukrainian-American neighbors and being devastated by the destruction of Ukraine and the almost 6 million people forced to flee their homes.

Since returning to the United States, Walsh has never forgotten the Ukrainian people and now works to raise awareness and support for them locally. Walsh works with local businesses such as the Bloomington-Normal Sunrise Rotary and The Immigration Project to create projects and raise awareness about the war.

Walsh has also worked with ISU to support war efforts.

“I would really like to thank the good folks at Milner Library. I was actually able to submit and get 3D printed Reggie Redbirds that were yellow and blue from the Milner Library,” Walsh said.

Walsh also created blue and yellow 3D Reggie chess pieces at the library.

Walsh continues to support the Ukrainian refugees and hopes for the war to end soon.

“The Ukrainian people are an inspiration to all of the world. The way they have held up and the way they have fought back,” Walsh said.

To help Ukrainian refugees and support efforts, visit here. To learn more, visit here.

Bowie Chappee is a news and features reporter for The Vidette. Chappee can be contacted at jnchap1@ilstu.edu.

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