CLEVELAND — As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, some people are looking for ways to help those affected by the war. Oleh Holowatyj decided to cook for the cause.
“Currently, I am rolling out the pierogi dough,” Holowatyj said.
He’s the sous chef behind Pierogi for Peace, a fundraiser to support the people of Ukraine.
“When everything started happening, the news started coming through in Ukraine. It is a bit of a shock, and there was kind of a pause as to what can we do to help,” Holowatyj said.
So, Holowatyj gathered a group of Cleveland food and service industry workers to find a familiar way to give back.
“The best thing that we could come up with, especially at short notice, was, well, obviously raising funds is good. So let’s use our skills to raise those funds,” Holowatyj said about his group’s decision to host the food fundraiser.
Holowatyj said his ties to Ukraine motivated him to organize the event.
“Well, both my parents are Ukrainian immigrants, part of the diaspora of displaced people after the formation of the Soviet Union and the end of World War II. So, I grew up going to, you know, Ukrainian schools, Ukrainian churches, Ukrainian summer camps,” Holowatyj said. “I still have family there that is in Ukraine.”
Holowatyj added if his parents remained in Ukraine, his family would be dealing with the challenges of the invasion. He said he tried to think of what they would need the most right now during the planning stages of the fundraiser.
“Well, there’s always like a mixed sort of response in situations like this, in ways to donate, but it’s mostly donation. Whether it’s clothing, or mostly clothing and money,” Holowatyj said.
So, the chef went with money and invited the community to join him in his support at Roosevelt Veterans Post #58 on March 9, where they received a plate full of traditional food and had a chance to listen to Ukrainian music.
“So I hope for people to have a nice time, but make a nice amount of money that we can send over and hopefully be of some assistance to the people of Urkaine,” Holowatyj said.
He said his goal succeeded. Pierogi for Peace raised around $10,000 for an organization called Razom for Ukraine.
