by Karen M. Van Antwerp, AIWC Düsseldorf
Oftentimes we live our lives between photos. It is at a time like this that AIWC Düsseldorf (AIWCD) member Vera Kostiuk Busch (since 1973) has inspired all of us to step up and help however we can; all of us must do our part.
There isn’t a day that goes by (since the end of February) that Vera is able to drink her morning coffee and not worry about the families torn apart, women and children displaced from their homes in her beloved Ukraine that is at war. From dusk to dawn her cell phone buzzes and her emails pile up with offers to help or requests of others needing help. She is sending notes via WhatsApp to volunteers, meeting with civic leaders, going to the Ukrainian church, and buying medicine or humanitarian aid for those in Ukraine or the refugees here. She is on top of the needed items for the Ukrainian children and women who have arrived here in Düsseldorf, providing essentials that are not provided by the ongoing donations. She instantaneously finds and purchases what’s needed. Yesterday it was children’s backpacks (that included stationery, warm socks, toothpaste, toys, etc.) for the children to start school. Tomorrow it may be bandages, warm wool socks and medicine to go to the front lines and aid those fighting.
She has a team of volunteers from all over, including many other AIWCD members who are supporting the charity Pro Ukraine e.V. in their mission to help these families in any way they can. Oftentimes she graciously shares her home, where volunteers enjoy rallying and assisting with packing. “Having worked with a group at Vera’s home, she was so humble, kind and passionate about the amazing work she does. She had all her albums out showcasing her decades of special work. She is a beautiful, selfless soul, and we are blessed to have her as a big, big sister,” AIWCD member Theloshni Schoderer reflects.
If you wish to “step up” and make a difference, please visit the charity’s website. You are also welcome to come to Düsseldorf and push up your sleeves and bring your mask, ID and gloves and help at the church where the donations are being assembled. Or take on another task at hand. All of us need to do our part to support those who have NOTHING. Vera is a shining example for us all.
On March 31, AIWCD held an online event with International Women in Business Düsseldorf in hopes of raising awareness of the Pro Ukraine charity organization and the hard work they are doing. We had some fun prizes, all donated by our community. The cost of the registration was donated and over 3000 euros was raised in total.
Other references:
"Former Warren resident is helping Ukrainians fleeing to Germany" by Lauren Wethington, Detroit Free Press
October 2009: AWC Duesseldorf Member award to Vera Busch for Commitment to Help Ukraine Children
The charity Pro Ukraine e.V. has been supporting the Ukraine for over 20 years. (in German)
Photos: American International Women‘s Club of Düsseldorf helps Pro Ukraine e.V. pack backpacks for Ukrainian refugee children at the home of Vera Busch on Wed. March 23, 2022
Photo credits:
Martin Poche - Ratinger Wochenblatt: group image
Vanieta Canonico-Jahn: boxes of backpacks image