What’s currently unfolding in Ukraine is almost inconceivable.
If you’re feeling paralysed by the magnitude of the conflict and looking for ways to help, 1800 Lasagne – together with dozens of other Melbourne businesses – is hosting an all-in fundraiser this Sunday, with proceeds going towards humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
For the event, 1800 Relief, owner Joey Kellock is converting his Thornbury lasagne restaurant into a market-style precinct, which you can drop into from 10am to 3pm.
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SIGN UP“In the next few days, who knows what’s going to happen in Ukraine,” he tells Broadsheet.
“This a small way we can stand up, show solidarity and generate some sort of support – emotionally, spiritually and obviously financially – from afar.”
Proceeds will go to Voices of Children Foundation, HIAS, Razom for Ukraine and World Central Kitchen.
There’ll be a firepit sausage sizzle by The Fitzroy Feast, with hundreds of snags from Carlton butcher Donati’s; pizza by Carmelo’s; scoops from the Icecream Social van; by-the-slice cakes courtesy of Mali Bakes; filter coffee by Everyday; and more.
A marketplace will be stocked with Melbourne Farmers Markets fresh fruit and veg, All Are Welcome bread, Mount Zero olive oil, Blackhearts & Sparrows and Six Parallels South wine, Gewurzhaus spices, Ultra Culture hot sauce, L’Anima Cucina biscotti, Adele Macer ceramics, and blooms by Flowers Vasette.
With nearly $10,000 worth of donated goods, a huge raffle will also form part of the fundraiser. There’ll be everything from restaurant vouchers (from Umberto Espresso Bar and Joanie’s Baretto) to jewellery (from Aletheia & Phos and Cleopatra’s Bling), and Ukrainian art pieces from Hana Katya. Buy a ticket in person or online until midnight on Thursday March 10; the raffle will be drawn on Sunday March 13.
And while “it started off as a Ukraine fundraiser”, Kellock says, “we also have to help our Australian brothers and sisters”. So, a portion of proceeds will go towards assisting those affected by the devastating, fatal floods that are ravaging parts of eastern Australia.
Dig deep, Melbourne. As well as purchases, you’ll be able to make cash and credit-card donations on the day. “Bring your cards and tap to show your solidarity,” Kellock says. “We want as many people to come as possible. And I want to raise $20,000.”
1800 Relief is on at 1800 Lasagne – 653 High Street, Thornbury – on Sunday March 6 from 10am to 3pm. Find more information here.
This article was updated on March 3 to include the charities where proceeds will be donated and changes to the raffle prize pool.