The outbreak of the armed conflict in Ukraine has not remained without echo in Cluj-Napoca, where, since February 26, refugees from Ukraine have begun to arrive, some of them in transit through the CFR train station. Since then, the Association O Masă Caldă has been providing food and cold food parcels to those in transit as well as to those accommodated in Cluj-Napoca, through the association Medical International Rescue.

In order to counteract the effects of this war, and to support the refugees in Cluj, it was decided to open a canteen. Thus, the Friendship Canteen is an integral part of the joint initiative of several associations and institutions from Cluj county, united under the umbrella of “Help Ukraine”, within the framework of a protocol approved by the County Committee for Emergency Situations.

“As time went by, we found that refugees staying in the city returned to the train station to eat, as it was the “warm and friendly” space (as our volunteers explained to them the reason for their return) that welcomed them on their arrival. Thus the need arose to provide them with a dedicated space where they could find this atmosphere, in conditions conducive to having lunch. This is the FRIENDSHIP KITCHEN – IDAL’NYA DRUZIV, set up with the full and unconditional support of the local authorities, whose collaboration made it possible to transform a disused building into a functional canteen in just 3 weeks!” said Raimonda Boian, President of the Association O Masă Caldă (A Warm Meal).

Also as a result of the experience at the Transit Centre at the train station, we thought it would be appropriate to hire a person from Ukraine to help us create Ukrainian menus at this canteen so that we can bring a piece of home to those who pass through our canteen. Yuliya Tsymbalenko is from Kyiv and is a professional chef.

“Our road was to ‘nowhere’ but here we found solace. With you, I feel like part of my family, and thank you all for your help. I was touched when I went with you to hand out food to the homeless. What you are doing is a very powerful thing and I’m glad I can contribute at least a little to all of this.” Yuliya said, who has been in Cluj-Napoca since 8 March this year and since 1 May has been the right-hand man of the canteen coordinator, Ionuț Muntean, “transferred” from the O Masă Caldă community kitchen.

The space identified for this canteen is located on Bdul 21 Decembrie 1989 no. 128-130, in the building owned by the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca, administered by Anghel Saligny College.

The space was set up with the help of Cluj-Napoca City Hall, Cluj Prefect Institution, Cluj County Council, Cluj Emergency Situations Inspectorate, which were also joined by the Someș Water Company, the Heating Company, Electrica, Distrigaz, Anghel Saligny College, County School Inspectorate, Public Health Department.

The renovation and conversion budget was 55,655 lei and was financed by Cluj-Napoca City Hall.

The equipment in the kitchen was purchased from the association’s own funds, cost 150,000 lei, and provides a capacity of 30 to 300 people.

In conclusion:

WHERE?

128-130 21 December 1989 Boulevard, in the inner courtyard behind the offices of the Public Transport Company. Landmark, SOMESUL public transport station.

WHEN?

The dining hours are Monday to Friday, from 14.00 to 16.00, with the possibility of extension depending on demand!

WHO?

With priority, refugees from Ukraine, temporarily residing in Cluj-Napoca, on the basis of Decision (EU) 2022/382, registered on the platform www.civicsuport.ro, but not only, because those who need lunch offered by O Masă Caldă can be registered on the platform by our volunteers.

Other relevant information for refugees:

• Dedicated Call Centre in Cluj, which provides assistance in your mother tongue and is always available on 0364-406-518.
• The online platform www.civicsuport.ro, where they can request the support they need;
• The support centre is open at the Hotel Granata, located at 16 Cometei Street, which provides information, counselling, legal advice, medical assistance, registration for employment in the county, etc.