The Craft Guild of Chefs and UK Curry Connect joined forces to launch a scheme called ‘Chefs Support Ukraine’ to raise vital funds to help the UN Refugee Agency continue life-saving protection to families forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Members of both organisations and business owners were asked to help raise funds, with various ideas from special events and menus, raffles, percentage of profits or gratuities, etc. In total, the appeal has raised £6,242 which is being donated directly to the UNHCR Aid Agency. This agency leads the response to refugee protection across the world and relies on donations.

Money raised can make a dramatic difference, for example, £9.57 could help provide a plastic tarpaulin to a family, £48 could help provide ten warm fleece blankets to displaced families, £73.60 could help provide a child with psychosocial support (group outreach, day care centres, child friendly spaces).

The Craft Guild of Chefs raised funds during their annual awards evening, whilst the Department of Hospitality Studies at Brockenhurst College raised an impressive £500.

UK Curry Connect held an event at Maya Bar & Restaurant in Atherstone in aid of the appeal and a further generous donations were received from a small family restaurant, Millennium Balti in Leamington Spa and Sponsor Licence Specialists.

Matt Owens, chair of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “Whenever there is a real crisis, you can count on the hospitality industry to stand up and be counted. ‘Chefs Support Ukraine’ is one of a number of appeals that are trying to make a difference for everyone in Ukraine and I am proud of our contribution.”

Shah F. Athar, chief operating officer, director of policy and project co-ordinator at UK Curry Connect commented: “This is the first time our two great organisations have worked together for the common good. It has proved that together we can be innovative in the ways that we can help others. Despite the current situation here in the UK, we know that we need to do more to helps others elsewhere.”

Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs, concluded: “The refugee crisis has not abated and aid agencies like the UNHCR still need our support providing humanitarian aid to children and families displaced because of the war. I have been incredibly pleased with the solidarity shown across the hospitality industry in support of Ukraine.”