COOK FOR UKRAINE – POP-UP DINING
Blog · Posted March 18, 2022
Like you, we have been watching in horror at the war in Ukraine, and wondering how we can help
We have been lucky enough to host Ukrainian chef, Olia Hercules, at Mainstreet for two of her cookbooks. In both cases, she fed us wonderfully and brought her family’s way of life into our world. She has now emerged as a fierce champion for her beleaguered country, and, together with Russian food writer, Alissa Timoshinka, has created a fundraising movement, #CookForUkraine. The campaign, inspired by Cook for Syria, celebrates people coming together over the simple act of sharing food and is a powerful call for peace.
The Mainstreet team invited you to join them for a pop-up dinner,
Cooking for Ukraine, on Thurs 5th May 2022 @8pm.
We offeried a three-course smorgasbord of Ukrainian cuisine taken from some of our favourite cookbooks, such as Olia’s Mamushka and Summer Kitchens. Everyone involved volunteeed their time – from waiting staff on the night, to those creating the dishes.
“Ukraine is such a fascinating country full of rolling yellow fields and people who love to cook the recipes their grandparents taught them. But it’s absolutely urgent that we act now, before too much is lost. What they’re experiencing is a tragedy – please help us, people.” –Olia Hercules
HOW IT WORKED:
YOUR TICKET: 100% of the ticket price went to Unicef UK, #CookForUkraine appeal, to read more click here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cookforukraine
STAFF HOURS/FOOD COSTS: Mainstreet donated the food costs and the value of the voluntary staff hours (inc. design costs kindly donated by Vivid Design).
With the incredible help of our community and our staff we managed to raise £3183.50 for the UNICEF #CookForUkraine Fund. Thank you to everyone for their generosity and support, it truly lifted our spirits to be reminded that there is so much kindness out there.
We realise that we are incredibly lucky and priveledged to be able to still host dinners and come together as a community in such a way. The tragedy of what is happening in Ukraine is unimaginable to so many of us and although it is not as prominent in the news cycle as it was, it is still ongoing.
https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donate-now-to-protect-children-in-ukraine/