refugees

Andi Oliver’s call for urgent winter funds for Refugee Community Kitchen

Last month we had the pleasure of welcoming Andi Oliver: chef, TV presenter; and author of The Pepperpot Diaries, to our kitchen in Gospel Oak, London. Andi is a long lasting, dedicated supporter and good friend of RCK.

Andi Oliver spent time with us in Calais during the winter months in 2016 and has since been advocating for people less fortunate than ourselves and has recently joined as one of our trustees!

Andi spent the day with us in the Gospel Oak London Kitchen cooking an exquisite menu of coconut curry chicken, with sticky orange & ginger aubergine and cashew nut rice and made lore than enough to feed over 150 people!

Please click on the link to donate to RCK’s winter funds ❄️🙏

RCK Winter Fundraiser

RCK needs support more than ever. As cost of food is rising and the numbers of refugees accessing our services in Northern France has doubled in a month.

We urgently need donations and volunteers.

Please use the link below to donate…

With love from the RCK team

Honouring World Refugee Day: RCK Stands in Solidarity

On this World Refugee Day, RCK stands united with refugees around the globe. For the past eight years, our organisation has been dedicated to providing nourishing meals and support to displaced communities in both Northern France and London. We acknowledge the strength and resilience of those forced to leave their homes, and we are committed to supporting them in their journey.

Through the tireless efforts of our volunteers, we have managed to serve thousands of meals, touching the lives of countless individuals. We understand that food is more than sustenance; it is a symbol of care, dignity, and hope. By providing hot meals, we strive to restore a sense of normalcy and offer a moment of respite amidst the challenges faced by refugees.

Join us on this World Refugee Day as we honour the strength, resilience, and humanity of refugees. Together, we can create a world where every individual is valued, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Celebrate Pride Month with RCK!

At RCK, we believe in celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and love in all its vibrant forms.

Our kitchen is not just a place where hot meals are prepared; it is a haven of love, understanding, and support. We believe in the power of food to nourish both the body and the spirit, and we extend that love to all who seek our services. As we come together to celebrate Pride Month, let us remember that solidarity knows no bounds.

Just as the LGBTQ+ community embraces diversity and unity, we aim to reflect these values in every meal we serve, infusing our meals with a kaleidoscope of vibrant coloured vegetables. From the radiant reds of tomatoes to the brilliant yellows of bell peppers, and the rich purples of eggplants, our kitchen is bursting with a spectrum of flavours and hues.

At RCK, We want everyone to feel safe, valued, and embraced, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. And with the help of our wonderful volunteers and supporters, we can create a world where everyone is celebrated and accepted for who they are.

Join us in spreading the message of love and acceptance, where we can make a difference, one meal at a time. Happy Pride Month!

Volunteer for RCK this Summer!

RCK are currently operating at four different locations across Calais and Dunkirk and are proud to have a dedicated team of volunteers who serve five days a week.

We're always seeking more volunteers to join our incredible team.

With greater support, we can expand our services and reach even more refugees by extending our operations to six or even seven days a week. Our goal is to serve as many living sites as possible, ensuring that we not only offer meals but also provide essential amenities like tea and filtered water. As the summer approaches and temperatures rise, these provisions become even more essential.

Please consider joining our amazing team and volunteering with us this summer!

Global Public Welfare Trust

RCK want to express huge gratitude to the Global Public Welfare Trust for their generous contributions of meat during the Ramadan period. The meat donations helped to provide nutritious meals to refugees who may have otherwise gone without, bringing comfort and a sense of community to those who are far from their homes and loved ones. The kindness and generosity of organisations like the Global Public Welfare Trust are essential in supporting the vital work of the Refugee Community Kitchen, and their on-going contributions are deeply appreciated by all those who benefit from their efforts.

Eid al-Fitr

Today is Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and to celebrate, RCK will be cooking jewelled rice as well as a traditional dessert called ‘Sheer Kurma’ for the refugee community in Calais.

Sheer kurma is a popular dessert in many Muslim countries, especially during Eid celebrations. It is a creamy and sweet vermicelli pudding made with milk, sugar, and vermicelli noodles, and it is often garnished with nuts, raisins, and cardamom. Sheer kurma is usually served after the Eid prayers as a way of breaking the fast.

Jewelled rice is a dish that is traditionally enjoyed during Eid in many parts of the Muslim world. It is a fragrant and colourful rice dish, made with a blend of spices, nuts, and dried fruits, and it is often served alongside meat dishes.

RCK are preparing 500 servings, which we will distribute to refugees and asylum seekers across Calais and Dunkirk. By cooking jewelled rice and sheer kurma for Eid, RCK is not only providing a delicious meal for those in need but also helping to bring a sense of community and celebration to the refugee community. In a time of uncertainty and hardship, gestures like this can make a world of difference and remind people that they are not alone.

We ask anybody who is able to show their support for refugees this Eid al-Fitr by making a donation to the Refugee Community Kitchen. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Your donations will help to purchase food, equipment, and supplies needed to prepare and serve meals to refugees. No donation is too small, every bit makes a difference and we can ensure that thousands of refugees will have a hot meals to celebrate Eid and other such festivals for years to come.

Thank you for your generosity and compassion.