A Ukrainian Director of The Gresham Aparthotel in Leicester is spearheading a campaign to raise much needed funds to support the people of Kyiv.
Through her Just Giving page, Snizhana Yesaulenko is raising funds to support field kitchens which have been set up in the Ukrainian capital. The kitchens are providing hot meals and food for hospitals, soldiers and civilians who have chosen to stay, or are simply not allowed to leave their country.
Many have lost their homes so the kitchens have become a vital part of their lives and are making a real difference to vulnerable people on the ground. They are run by 220 volunteers, mainly mothers, partners and wives, who are cooking all day long to help feed those in need that remain in the city.
Snizhana started the page just over a week ago and is already half-way to reaching her target to raise £30,000. Since starting the appeal, the money raised has helped to set up three more kitchens, making four in total. She is now appealing for members of the public and those who use the aparthotel to help where they can.
Snizhana said:
“The response has been incredible. I am truly lost for words and am so proud of everyone who has helped. Thank you. The funds raised are having a direct impact on people’s lives. At our kitchens, £500-£600 a day feeds 5000 – 6000 people.
“All funds raised are being sent directly to this worthy cause and they go towards paying for fuel, cooking, deliveries and food. Due to the ever-changing nature of the situation, the team in Ukraine doesn’t want the money to be sent all at once. We have a call with them every day to ensure that the kitchens are still running. Only then do we release some more of the funds.
“This way, if for some reason the kitchens can’t continue, we can direct the money elsewhere to directly benefit the people of Ukraine. This is a sad but practical way of ensuring that the money raised can have the maximum impact on people’s lives.”
We have introduced a number of initiatives through The Gresham Aparthotel to encourage more people to support the kitchens and to help the people of Kyiv. These include:
100 rooms are being made available at a special price of £50 in support of the appeal. All of the money raised through these rooms will directly support the Kyiv Mobile Kitchens. Rooms must be booked via thegreshamaparthotel.com using the promo code ‘UKRAINEAPPEAL’. Available on standard studios on stays before 23rd December 2022. Rooms are subject to availability.
A raffle has been set up through The Gresham Aparthotel social media channels to encourage even more people to donate to the appeal. The winner will receive a stay for two in one of The Gresham’s luxury rooftop apartments. Tickets are available for a minimum donation of £10 and details on how to enter are available on The Gresham’s social media pages @TheGreshamStay.
Guests booking to stay at the aparthotel will be given the option to add a donation as part of the booking process.
Guests can also donate at the aparthotel reception.
Eloic Montagnier, General Manager at The Gresham Aparthotel said:
“We have all been shocked by what we are seeing in Ukraine so we are keen to do everything that we can to help the people affected.
“We were really inspired by the Kyiv Mobile Kitchen project that Snizhana is supporting through her page. It is clearly making a real impactful difference to the people on the ground. The work that the volunteers are doing is truly amazing.
“We know that our guests are also keen to help those affected by this dreadful war so we felt that these initiatives offered a great way for guests to support the people of Ukraine through their next stay.”
Snizhana added:
“I want to express my huge gratitude to all that have donated so far and to those who continue to be so generous with their support. The situation in Ukraine is horrific but it’s humbling to see so many people come together to try and help those who are suffering.
"I feel very passionately about this project. Speaking to friends, family and the wider team on the ground in Ukraine, I can see the positive and direct impact that it is having on people’s lives. Please consider making a donation. It really does make a difference. Thank you.”
The Gresham Aparthotel is located on Market Street in Leicester City Centre. For further information on how you can support the Kyiv Mobile Kitchen, visit www.thegreshamaparthotel.com
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