Community cookbook reprinted to support people of Ukraine
A cookbook, first published in the late 1970s by a women’s association in Waterford, is being reprinted to raise funds to support the people of war torn Ukraine.
After a photo of the original cookbook was posted to the Waterford Today Facebook page, Jackie Earle, administrator of the group, suggested republishing the book and using the proceeds to support the people of Ukraine.
Cooking Favorites of Ukrainian Women’s Association 1941-1976 was published by the association to mark its 35-year anniversary. At that time, the association was connected with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Waterford.
Earle said her phone has not stopping beeping since she suggested the project.
“I had no idea what I was getting myself into,” she said.
“Everyone thought it was a great idea and we think we have already received more than 300 pre-orders. The community support has been phenomenal and it has been an amazing journey.”
Waterford residents David Douglas and Ann Tchegus joined Earle to form a committee, which has been working on the project for about six weeks.
Books will be sold for $20 each. There is currently no release date.
Ukrainian recipes for cabbage rolls, perogies and borscht (cabbage soup) are a few of the many ethnic food staples included within the book’s pages. It also feature non-Ukrainian family favorite recipes.
Earle and Tchegus are both fans of perogies, while Douglas enjoys borscht.
The recipes date back to the 1940s and all originate from area women of Ukrainian heritage. The book will include many ethnic items and guides for serving large numbers of people.
The project has received support from a number of local businesses and organizations, such as the Waterford Lions Club.
Proceeds from book sales will be presented by the committee to the Lions, and then forwarded to the Lions Club International Disaster Relief Fund towards supporting Ukraine.
“We knew that if we could partner with the Lions Club they could channel our funds through Lions Club International, ensuring that 100 per cent of the proceeds would go directly to help the people in Ukraine,” said Tchegus.
“We have had people who have sponsored us in purchasing ads and we’ve had people just donating and not even purchasing the book. Once we cover the cost of the book, the rest of the proceeds will go to Ukraine. A large number of people are asking to purchase more than one copy.”
Tchegus and her husband, Bordan, are Ukrainian Canadians with relatives living in Ukraine.
For more information, contact Tchegus at [email protected], Earle at [email protected] or Douglas at [email protected].
Email transfers for pre-orders can be made at [email protected].