Veselka is a beloved Ukranian diner in NYC's east village. It's been there for countless late night meals over the years and is a place every New Yorker has at least one fond memory of. In 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, this family owned New York favorite became the heart of activism and New York based advocacy for Ukraine. I led the founding of an initiative on the UWS called Ukraine With Love. We had the privilege of working with third-generation owner of Veselka, Jason Blanchard, in fundraising, purchasing and shipping much-needed supplies from New York City directly into Ukraine and the front lines. We also worked with him to coordinate through a local restaurant on the Polish/Ukrainian border to fund hot meals being driven across the border to refugees fleeing their homes. In the early days of the war before infrastructure could be set up on the ground, it was citizen-led initiatives and efforts that made a difference. A documentary just came out on this restaurant and its efforts through the war - it tells the story of an immigrant family, a country fighting for survival and the diaspora community here in NYC powered by a beloved NYC institution - VESELKA - watch on Amazon Prime.