Pierogies, a traditional Ukrainian dish, can be more than comfort food – they can help provide humanitarian relief.
Recently, Chatelech Secondary School students have been cooking for a good cause in the Social Studies 11 and Senior Foods classes.
“Students peeled potatoes, chopped onions, grated cheese and dished up sour cream in preparation for the great pierogi [and] borscht hot lunch. Rolling and pinching dough, students cooked over 350 pierogies for fellow students and staff,” teachers Leah Judd and Ann Allen told Coast Reporter.
As well as filling bellies, the pierogies raised $750 by the end of lunch on March 9, surpassing the students’ goal to raise $300 for Ukrainian refugees.
Some of the students researched and created video presentations to explain the lead-up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and, as the military action developed, the youths moved from studying to acting by brainstorming how to help Ukrainian citizens.
“Students in foods and socials realized connecting with Ukrainian culture would be the best way to raise awareness and funds,” the teachers said, and they quickly gained support for the cause. The PAC donated the cost of food supplies, Mrs. Arduin donated her homemade borscht and the students donated their energy to the cause.
