Part 1: Warsaw

With my recent retirement, coupled with my Ukrainian heritage, I wanted to volunteer in Poland.

After hours of online research without success, I jumped on a plane to Warsaw.

I opted for “on the ground” research, starting in Warsaw.

At the main train station, I asked how to volunteer…

… and was ushered to the World Central Kitchen registration desk.

Within less than 5 minutes, I went from information seeker to food server.

The kitchen is run by professional chef volunteers from around the world…

… with a broad range of worldwide volunteers to serve the food.

The global support is heartwarming.

The World Central Kitchen tent is next to the Warsaw main train station.

The food is available for all Ukrainians with recent passport stamps.

Canadians are well represented, both from the government and private individuals. The military are checking passports for entry.

Ivona (next to me) was born in Poland, then later moved to Canada and has duel citizenship. She is a one-woman PR machine, promoting Canadian immigration.

Goulash is a staple, served over couscous.

Soup is also popular.

The food is high-quality.

After a stop at Costco, I carried 11 kg (24 lbs.) of food with me from the U.S. (spaghetti and granola bars).

I also made a run to a local Warsaw supermarket …

And picked up a basket of fruits and cookies.

These treats were reserved for the children, and believe it or not, the bananas were the first to go… even faster than the cookies.

Japan is highly represented here. Nakamura-san (right), from Kanagawa, has lived in Kyiv for 20 years creating cultural exchanges with Ukraine and Japan.

The tent is open 23 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s closed for an hour at 5:00 am for cleaning.

Support for Ukraine is seen throughout Poland.

With my first-hand experience, I’m a huge fan and supporter of World Central Kitchen.
Please donate today via this link https://donate.wck.org/give/396273/#!/donation/checkout

Stay tuned for part 2 from Poland, and please appreciate all that you have. ts