A shared meal

A shared meal that brings generations together

On June 20, as part of the fifth anniversary of the “Grandma’s hares” charity project, a special event was held dedicated to the bond between generations—one of the core values and missions of the “Nasha Peremoga” Charitable Foundation.

Throughout human history, people have gathered around the table for more than just a meal. It is precisely during shared meals that people get to know one another, build trust, pass on wisdom, resolve important issues, and form communities. A meal has always been much more than just food; it has been a space for human connection.

That is why this year we decided to dedicate one of the events of the “Grandma’s hares” project specifically to a shared meal that brought together children, adults, and seniors.

The event was hosted by Oleksandr Kotolup, founder of the catering company FIGARO Catering, along with his team. For many years now, Olexandr has been conducting social workshops for children, where he teaches not only table manners but also the art of communication, respect for others, attention to detail, and the aesthetics of sharing a meal.

It’s hard to imagine a better way to bring generations together.

Gathered around a single table were the craftswomen from the “Grandma’s hares” project in Ukrainka and Kyiv’s Obolon district, the children of veterans and their mothers, the team from the “Nasha Peremoga” Foundation, and the FIGARO Catering team, who created a true celebration of hospitality for everyone.

We did three simple things that people have been doing at the table for thousands of years: we ate, drank, and talked. We learned to do this beautifully, mindfully, and with respect for one another. We nourished ourselves and nourished others.

And it seems we succeeded.

A special surprise was a musical gift from Polina, one of the event’s participants, who performed a beautiful piece on the violin, creating an atmosphere of warmth and a true family celebration.

Our craftswomen presented the children of veterans with handmade hares—symbols of love, care, and support. Each of these toys embodies not only craftsmanship but also a piece of the heart of the person who created it.

At the end of the event, participants received wonderful gifts from FIGARO Catering—signature macarons presented in stylish packaging, which became yet another pleasant memory of the day.

We sincerely thank Oleksandr Kotolup and the FIGARO Catering team for their inspiration, hospitality, and for creating this special space where generations could come together.

Thank you to the Holosiivskyi District Children’s and Youth Center for providing the venue for the event.

Thank you to the foundation’s director, Iryna Lutay, for organizing the event. To our volunteers and the foundation’s team—photographer Lyudmyla Yeliseyeva, SMM manager Yulia Oleshchuk, strategic marketing, communications  and development manager Olga Kuchmeeva —for helping to create and preserve these warm memories.

We believe that this shared meal gave its participants not only new knowledge and pleasant emotions, but also something far more important—a sense of beauty, family warmth, and a connection between generations.

It is through such gatherings that mutual understanding begins. This is how a community is born. And it is very often around the table that the most important stories begin.

Photos at the link