A Ukrainian director of Leicester’s newest aparthotel is raising money to provide hot meals to hospitals, soldiers and civilians in her homeland.
Snizhana Yesaulenko, who sits on the board of the company that owns the Gresham in Leicester’s former Fenwick store, is raising £25,000 to support the work of field kitchens set up in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.
She said the kitchens are being run by 220 volunteers, mainly mothers, partners and wives, who are working around the clock to feed those in need in the besieged city.
Many of those being catered for 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.
Snizhana started a JustGiving page two weeks ago – you can click here to donate – and has already raised more than £18,000.
She said since starting the appeal, money raised has already helped set up three more kitchens, making four in total.
She 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 5,000-6,000 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.
“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.”
She said the Gresham Aparthotel has introduced a number of initiatives to encourage more people to support the kitchens and help the people of Kyiv.
That includes 100 rooms being made available for £50 with all the money supporting the Kyiv Mobile Kitchens. Those rooms must be booked via thegreshamaparthotel.com using the promo code ‘UKRAINEAPPEAL’.
The Gresham has also launched a raffle on its @TheGreshamStay social media channels to encourage people to donate. Tickets are available for a minimum donation of £10 and the winner will receive a stay for two in one of its luxury rooftop apartments.
Meanwhile, all guests booking rooms are being be given an option to add a donation.
Aparthotel general manager Eloic Montagnier 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.”
