When Passion Fuels Transformative Action
Ella Leson meeting with Tanya Nace
What happens when you combine tasty Ukrainian food, homemade baked desserts, and a desire to help kids in Odessa, Ukraine? Five years ago, a woman named Ella
On Friday, World Hope held the 5th Annual Taste of Ukraine dinner. These dinners build awareness and raise money for WHI programs in Ukraine.
The proceeds from this year’s dinner will go to the First Step Centre, a safe place for social orphans to receive a warm meal, play games, clean their clothes and receive hygiene care.
By the end of the night, we had fun, laughed, learned about the First Step Centre, enjoyed a silent auction of yummy desserts, and ate amazingly delicious Ukrainian food. And ultimately, we pulled together our resources to help feed, clothe, and support an incredible project in Odessa, Ukraine. Five years of these dinners all because one woman combined her love of cooking, personal heritage, and desire to help youth in Ukraine and used them to fuel action. Five years of fellowship, of partnership, of awareness-building, and of children being cared and provided for.
The Taste of Ukraine dinner was a relaxing evening serving a great purpose – supporting the work of World Hope International in Ukraine. I walked away from the evening with a belly full of genuine Ukrainian food, a heart full of story after story of what God’s doing in Ukraine, and my arms full of baked goods we won in the silent auction! The kitchen and serving staff were legends and made the night even more enjoyable.
~ Dan Wallis, Taste of Ukraine dinner guest
If you’ve ever wondered how you can get involved and help people in far-away places, I hope you will draw inspiration from Ella and the Taste of Ukraine dinners and use your interests, gifts, and passions to serve others.
Guests enjoying the delicious meal
WHI team members sharing about the First Step Centre
If you are interested in hosting an event with WHI or booking someone to come talk to you and your community or organization about our programs, send us an email or call our office at 613-482-1499. You can also learn more about the First Step Centre and Hope House and explore other programmes on our website.
