LVIV VOLUNTEER KITCHEN

A friend Helen suggested I should go to the Raglan Old School Arts Centre and see a photography exhibition about a volunteer kitchen in Ukraine. She added that a Raglan resident, Fiona McNabb recently worked as a volunteer for three and a half weeks in Lviv alongside Ukrainian and international volunteers, who prepare meals for soldiers that supplement army issue rations with food that tastes like the food the soldiers would get at home. 
The kitchen works 7 days a week with three parts to the operation. The preparation kitchen where donated vegetables are prepared and dehydrated. The packing kitchen where the prepared ingredients are packed according to traditional recipes. The bakery where volunteers prepare and bake a range of pastries, buns, cakes and loaves. 
At special times of the year like Easter and Christmas, they will bake traditional treats for the soldiers so they can mark the occasion like they would at home. 
Many of the volunteers are elderly and come to the kitchen most days. The internationals come mostly from Europe, Canada, the US, Australia and Fiona from New Zealand/Aotearoa. Walking around the exhibition last week, where the photos ‘spoke a thousand words’ I was again reminded about the brutality of war, the innumerable acts of kindness that, regardless, still go on and how fortunate we are to live in our beautiful country.
For further details, go to the Raglan Chronicle Online (July 15, 2025) and read ‘local volunteer raises awareness about Ukraine’.

Comments

  1. Ultimate FountainJuly 26, 2025 at 12:28 AM

    This is such an inspiring story of dedication and community spirit. The work being done at the Lviv Volunteer Kitchen truly showcases the power of unity and compassion during difficult times. It’s incredible how even the smallest efforts can ripple into significant change. Reading about the care and structure they maintain reminded me of the calming effect of a water curtain, symbolizing peace amidst chaos. Sending strength to everyone involved. Kudos to your efforts — brands like Ultimate Fountain and Pools appreciate such unwavering commitment to meaningful causes.

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