Speen family bake sale for Ukraine is tasty success
A Speen family donned their baking mitts and whipped up a range of tasty goodies for a bake sale to raise money for Ukraine.
The Franks set up a table outside their house on Groveland Road on Saturday, March 12, after mother Eva and her daughter Klara spent the previous three evenings hard at work in the kitchen.
Mrs Franks – who is originally from the Czech Republic, which as Czechoslovakia was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1968 – said she had been inspired to raise money to help the Ukrainians after seeing the war on the news and feeling “helpless”.
She said: “The Ukrainian conflict started when I was at home recovering from Covid.
“Watching the news every day, I wished I was able to help, but, like many, I felt quite helpless.
“One thing I believe my daughter and I are good at is baking cakes, so we decided to host a cake sale to raise money for the British Red Cross's Ukrainian Crisis Appeal.
“Once I was better, my partner [Peter Olszewski] designed a poster, which my son, Adam, delivered to many residents of Speen, and my daughter and I spent three evenings baking.”
They then set up a table outside their house with their baked goods, and the sale was a huge hit with the neighbours – raising £865 in just four hours.
After donations poured in, the family has now raised more than £1,000 for the cause.
They also met a woman who used to work for the British Red Cross, who explained how the international Red Cross tackles disasters and wars, and how the money would likely be spent.
Mrs Franks continued: “We would like to thank everyone who donated money, but also cakes, and those who spread the word about our cake sale.
“There were so many people in our front garden, and everyone was so glad we were running the event – it was amazing to see such a community spirit.
“It was lovely to meet so many of our neighbours we had not managed to meet before.”
Mrs Franks added that the family was asked to do another event, which they are now considering.