CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It's been one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, launching a deadly war, displacing families from their homes.
What You Need To Know
Friday marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine
North Carolina communities are rallying together to support Ukraine
A student from Ukraine says her college is helping to support her and others during these tough times
North Carolina communities are rallying to support Ukraine, including at Davidson College.
On Friday evening, the college is hosting Reflecting on a Year of Resilience: Together for Ukraine and Democracy.
The event is about bringing awareness to what's happening in Ukraine, while celebrating the country's resilience. The evening will include Ukranian food, musical performances, a silent auction and persons sharing of lived wartime experiences.
One of the speakers is a Davidson student Valeriia Kruzhkova, who was in Ukraine when the war started.
Kruzhkova is a first-year student at Davidson.
One year ago, Kruzkova was living in Ukraine. She was in her apartment when she got a text from her friend, alerting her Russia had invaded their country.
"I realized it was not safe to stay," she said.
Kruzhkova packed up, embarking on a journey that eventually led her to Davidson.
"That's why I left Ukraine and went to London," Kruzhkova said. "To get visa and all the documents so I could study here."
Kruzhkova's family is living in Ukraine.
She says the college has supported her throughout it all, thanks to a group called Davidson 4 Ukraine.
It's made up of students, staff members, professors and locals, reaching out to help any way they can.
"They organize weekly meetings with the Ukrainian refugees, and we can all talk about what we feel and what we are facing," Kruzhkova said. "They realize it may be very hard for me while pursing my career and dream job, while worrying about my family in Ukraine. They're supporting the way that they can."
The event is happening at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Lilly Family Gallery in the Chambers Building on the Davidson campus. They'll also be raising funds for medical equipment needed in Ukraine.