Staff members of the Food for Life Foundation, run by Krishna devotees, have been assisting refugees from Ukraine since February 27. The volunteer from Eger reported on his experiences on the ground, the collaboration between aid organizations and private individuals, and the needs of those fleeing the war.
We've been to the eastern border several times this week, and as long as we're needed, we'll go there every day – said Olivér Nyolcas, head of the Eger office of the Food for Life Foundation.
People who have crossed the border are in desperate need of hot meals. Some arrive exhausted and hungry; most have been surviving for days on nothing but cold food, cookies, chips, or snacks. That is why the refugees are especially grateful for the one-dish meals, which warm both their bodies and their spirits. With the help of the people of Eger, half a thousand servings of lunch are distributed daily at the Ukrainian border and in reception centers, primarily to women and children.
"Food for Life" is the food distribution program run by the followers of Krishna. The foundation considers its primary mission to be providing meals to the socially disadvantaged. Since its founding in 1999, it has been able to help more and more people in need each year; in Eger and the surrounding area, it now distributes 700 free lunches daily.
We are able to continue our regular daily activities—which are aimed at providing for local residents—while also assisting refugees in the county seat of Heves “Olivér Nyolcas motioned for everyone to stay calm,”. Socially disadvantaged individuals will continue to receive the usual assistance from us.
In addition, there are other They can distribute about 500 servings of hot food to those arriving at the border. On behalf of the Foundation, lunch is prepared for those in need in 300-liter pots at the Govinda restaurant in Eger. The chefs and kitchen assistants are working tirelessly so that the volunteers of “Food for Food” can help as many people as possible, even during these difficult times.
Lunch is delivered in insulated containers, portioned out for the refugees, most of whom come from central Ukraine. Some of them walk long distances to reach a border crossing so they can ensure the safety of their families and their own lives.
The sight takes a heavy toll on us, too, but effectively helping those in need and working together is an infinitely inspiring experience! For example, when we arrived at the border yesterday and began unloading the donations, volunteers from other organizations immediately rushed to our aid. It’s wonderful to see, both in our country and on the ground, how well civilians, professional organizations, and charities can work together for this noble cause. The cooperation is tremendous; refugees are receiving assistance in many areas, but providing meals is also essential.
We are also in contact with mayors in Ukraine across the border, who personally deliver the requested donations. In recent days, we brought hot lunches from Eger to the Tiszabecs base, which we supplemented with fresh fruit. Most of the refugees are frightened, tired, and exhausted from the long journey; many have no friends or relatives and are dependent on the kindness of volunteers.
What they need right now: high-quality fruit that stays fresh for days, baby food, diapers, as well as toiletries, blankets, throws, pillows, small quantities of non-perishable food, or, for example, energy bars – said the office manager in Eger.
Anyone who would like to have their donations—sorted according to the guidelines above—picked up can drop them off daily between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. in the inner courtyard at 5 Tűzoltó Square, at the “Food for Life” distribution point. There is currently no need for other in-kind donations or clothing.
Anyone who is able to do so can support the aid organization’s humanitarian work at the border through volunteer work or financial contributions.
The Food for Life Foundation's bank account number: MKB 10300002-10631840-49020019 (IBAN HU55 1030 0002 1063 1840 4902 0019)
Online Donations: http://www.karitativ.hu/
Donation hotline: 13600. After dialing the number, enter code 33, or send a text message containing the code to this number. You can support the initiative with a gross donation of 500 Ft per call.
The attached photos were taken on location a few days ago by Balogh “fotofilo” Tas
With thanks,
Péter Lajosházi,
volunteer and founder of the Eger office of the Food for Life Foundation
Contact:
Eger, Olivér Nyolcas, tel.: +36 30/779-4449
National Information: Kata Fodor, Press Officer, tel.: +36 30/336-7171