"I learned so much in my time with RCK and was constantly surrounded by a wonderful supportive team! In what is a dire situation, there is so much love, solidarity and humanity to be found." - Izzy
A huge thank you Izzy for her calming, steady, funny, bright and lovely energy in Calais over the last year. We wish you all the best on your new adventures and a well-earned rest along the way! A big thanks for bringing all your friends and family we love them too
Quentin works tirelessly in the bowels of RCK sorting out the most intricate of our marketing and social media problems. He is endlessly generous with his time, money and positivity, even finding time to drop off beer and chocolate at the gates of the warehouse when he passes by. He manages all of this alongside being an amazing dad, husband & beautiful human. We have so much gratitude - Love from all the RCK fam!
Year Five: "Our hardest year yet - but we're ending it on exciting news!"
From stepping into the Calais warehouse five years ago to serving close to three MILLION meals is an amazing birthday gift.
"2020 has been the hardest year yet for Refugee Community Kitchen - but there are always moments of hope. COVID-19 has altered every aspect of our service, impacted the communities we serve and is showing no signs of abating. We have continued to serve and are preparing for a long and cold winter. This makes the support we've received this year even more invaluable - from the incredible Migrate masks and Scorched Earth Project to the brownies, bracelets and brilliant t-shirts you've created and sold for us. We're ending the year on some exciting news - a new kitchen in Kentish Town and a new partnership with Soulful Food Co and hoping that 2021 brings better times and the hope that at some point we'll no longer be needed here. - Paula Gallardo
Gemma has been with Camden outreach for over 2 years now and cooking for most of it - she's taken to it like a duck to water. Enthusiastic, kind and consistent - the kitchen wouldn't have run half as smoothly without her and the love she has shown for the project. Luckily Gemma is able to cook her last service in the new kitchen before she leaves us to have a baby. We wish them health, happiness and lots of love in such exciting times!
"I’ve always wanted to help people in need directly and had been searching for a place I could make a real difference. I immediately fell in love with RCK and everything they stand for. I started cooking and serving food in Camden almost two years ago and I’ve never found it a chore - I enjoy every minute and I miss not being able to serve now I’m pregnant. RCK is a family and I’m so happy I’m part of it. All the people I’ve met are unselfish givers who want to change the world and help people". Thank you Gemma!
Our fantastic Edinburgh Outreach founder Morven has been making the headlines over at Edinburgh Live with her tireless efforts during the pandemic. Having founded the outreach group as a fundraising base after working with us in Calais, she now has over 30 volunteers. Together, they turn discarded food into delicious meals for their soup kitchen and vital food-packs for their free shop as well as supplying homeless hostels and local charities.
We couldn't be prouder - read the full story below!
Our beautiful Giving Certificates have been chosen as one of the Observer's top picks for food lovers this winter! Available from £10 to £1000, these generous gifts ensure we can keep serving those who need us in Calais and London. You can order yours here:
Covid has, unsurprisingly, had a major impact on our service. From donations being down to reduced volunteer numbers - not to mention the day-to-day risk management that comes with serving a severely at-risk community. We are still serving though - we have adapted and have new measures in place including masks, social-bubbles, social distancing and altered menus.
We are still very much in need of volunteers, and know that many people are keen to come over. For the time being, we have made the decision to limit it to those who can stay a month or longer. This is to reduce the risk to the kitchen by having less of a turnover during the 2nd wave. We really look forward to the time we can reduce this time commitment. If you are able to stay, we would love to have you and can provide support with entry paperwork, advice on accommodation and welcome you into the kitchen.
For more information, please check out our volunteering page here:
Welcome Back Margaret!
Margaret is a friendly face to most volunteers who've passed through our kitchen and has racked up an incredible 17 months of volunteering since her first visit in 2016. She's tirelessly dedicated, inspiring and a true RCK legend - the kitchen wouldn't be the same without her! Her positive attitude has got us through some of our toughest times this year, and we're so pleased she's rolling up her sleeves once again for another stint at the stoves!
"Margaret is one of the people we can count on to remind us of the little things, the important things, things that can sometimes be overlooked. Margaret's attention to detail is something that we have all benefited from and has made the kitchen such a better place And on top of all that she is a proper giggle. We Love that woman"
