Have you ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer in Ukraine? Do you like to travel? Would you like to experience first-hand the joy of helping others while making new friends and exploring new sights and sounds, eating new and delicious foods, all while making a positive impact? This is what volunteering can be – and so much more! In this series of videos, we talk with Darcy, a cook from the USA who has traveled all the way to Ukraine to volunteer at Front Line Kitchen.

Darcy describes her motivation to support Ukraine quite simply: she was tired of being a spectator, just watching things happen from afar, and decided to put her skills and goodwill into action. When she found out about opportunities at Front Line Kitchen, she booked a flight to Poland, took a bus to Kyiv, and now here she is.

In this series of videos, Darcy describes a typical day at FLK as doing whatever needs to be done – washing, peeling and cutting vegetables, and getting to chat and socialize with many other volunteers from Ukraine and around the world. There’s never a dull moment; she describes her work as fun and rewarding, and she loves to eat the delicious borsch and varenyky (dumplings). You can’t get this kind of experience if you travel to some fancy resort and sit on the beach all day – this is why volunteering is not only fun and rewarding, but also life-changing.

In terms of practical matters while living in Ukraine, Darcy notes that although there is a war going on, Lviv feels safe but everyone is careful and prepared. She recommends bringing essentials such as toiletries and first aid supplies – just in case. And of course, an extra power pack is always a good idea no matter where you travel.

Would you like to visit Ukraine and volunteer? Check out our website for many different opportunities. Volunteer and make the world a better place, one selfless act at a time. And while you’re here, enjoy Ukrainian food and culture and make new friends for the experience of a lifetime!

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