As you are most likely well aware, there is a crisis in Ukraine. It is almost unimaginable that, in the year 2022, a country could invade another without provocation. Instead, this invasion began simply because one country wanted something that another country had. Similar to a kid on the playground stealing someone else’s toy, this is bullying, and something any parent would strongly discourage in any age child—let alone adult.
Yet here we are.
Typically with cries of horror often come cries of those wishing to help. Here in Maine it seems there are plenty of the latter. Many individuals and organizations have found ways to make a difference. Here are two of the many ways Mainers are attempting to make a positive impact.
Sea Bags Ukrainian Flag Tote
Sea Bags, a Portland-based company that turns recycled sails into designer bags, has designed a yellow and blue, Ukrainian flag bag and they are donating 100% of the profits from each bag’s sale to Razom for Ukraine and World Central Kitchen in order to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. We ordered one both because we wanted to show support and because we love Sea Bags products.
One local Maine chef is leaving the safety of our distant state and flying to help feed those in need. Christian Hayes Chef/Owner of The Garrison and Thoroughfare in Yarmouth is headed to the Ukrainian border to show his support in-person by cooking and feeding the many people trying to escape the Russian invasion. Hayes will be working with the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is devoted to providing hot nutritious meals in the wake of natural disasters or to those in emergency food relief. The journey of the Maine Chef begins this week according to his instagram posts.
Friends and family – As a proud member of @wckitchen, I will be making my way to the Ukrainian border to cook, feed, and nourish the thousands of families and children fleeing the invasion on a daily basis. @chefjoseandres has set up camp and #chefsforukraine is in full effect, and I will be leaving next week for the Poland/Ukraine border to join the effort.
At home, our restaurants will be running special menus during my departure to help raise funds for the cause, and I couldn’t be more proud of the support and encouragement, and willingness to join the fight my team has shown me. Chef José Andrés is a humanitarian, a selfless hero, and an inspiration.
Humans need help. Here. There. Absolutely everywhere. If there is ever a moment that I realize I have the ability to help someone, no matter how big or small, I will jump at the chance to do so because I honestly feel like with each chance I take to help a fellow human being, the world gets a just a little bit kinder, and I desperately want a kinder world for my children.
I’m a cook. So I will cook. Love you all. More info to come.
Chef Christian Hayes left today to join #chefsforukraine and provide meals to refugees. His comment, “Wheels up. Let’s go.” | Image from instagram/@iamchristianhayes
Whether you want to make an impact by purchasing a bag or by flying to Eastern Europe to help out in person, one thing is certain—there are people who could use a helping hand right now. Whatever you decide is the right way to help you should be proud. And you are making Maine proud too.
