An 18-year-old who has family back in Ukraine is baking up a storm to fundraise for that war-ravaged country.
So far, Jeremy Gens has raised more than $400 selling $30 boxes filled with brownies, pavlova, Smore’s Rice Krispie squares, madeleines and cake truffles. Many are decorated in blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Hundred per cent of the proceeds are being sent to Ukraine, where it’s used to buy food to feed those fleeing the war as well as Ukrainian soldiers.
Gens’ mother, Lyudmila, was born in Ukraine and they have family living there – some of his cousins have escaped to Poland, but the men aged 18 to 60 aren’t allowed to leave.
His family is in Vinnytsia, about four hours from the capital Kyiv, and this town has largely escaped the violence.
“Our family, thank god, is still safe,” Gens told the Richmond News.
The first couple nights after Russia invaded Ukraine about a month ago were a shock to his family, but, he added, his mother is able to talk daily with family members now.
Gens said his family was planning a trip to Ukraine this summer, but that is now off the table.
After sending the money, Gens received videos of people making food and a thank-you video from friends in Ukraine.
Gens, who just graduated last year from McNair secondary, took culinary and cafeteria classes at school, and he’s been selling his baked goods for three years.
Gens currently bakes at his family's farm, GJ Farm, on No. 4 Road, but he eventually wants to open his own bakery and café.
To buy the sweets in support of Ukrainians, contact Gens through his Instagram page at @SweetsbyJeremy.
