Breaking News
Supermodel Caprice Joins forces with renowned Chef Steven Saunders, The Odessa Project, to make a difference to Ukraine families!
Chef Steven Saunders Co-Founder of theodessaproject.com with business partner Shaina Galvin at The Willow Tree in Bourn, Cambridge, has joined forces with Supermodel and Entrepreneur Caprice Bourret to help refugee families find homes and jobs.
After seeing Steven’s work Caprice contacted him to come on board, she said: “It is no secret how opinionated, sad, disgusted, and worried I am about Putin’s war in Ukraine.
I have given money, I have sent supplies and desperately wanted to do more. Steven has been a friend of mine for years and after reading about his initiative I called him right away and said what do you need? How can I help? How do you need me to be involved?”
How You Can Get Involved
Call +44 (0)7543 750 428 to Speak Or Contact Us to get Involved
Volunteer Your Hotel
As it stands today we have over 800 rooms available within some fantastic organisations across the UK. That equates to about 1,500 jobs or more.
Support Donations
We will also (through our sponsors) be connecting families to schools and colleges and catering colleges so that their studies can continue.
Register for Support
Let The Odessa Project help you earn a great salary with industry professionals and find accommodation or a home here in the UK where it is safe.
What We Do
We believe that our scheme is the best for the refugees as they will infiltrate into UK society easier when working, they will become more independent because they will be earning money and they will be able to rebuild their lives whether it is for a short term or long term.
We will also (through our sponsors) be connecting families to schools and colleges and catering colleges so that their studies can continue.
We will be bringing in the families as soon as possible, looking after them with our fantastic volunteer team on the ground and placing them into the safe hands of our well trusted sponsors.
We all understand the almighty stress that the refugees are going through and their losses. Everybody wants to help, and we ask you to support us by getting involved.
Steven & Shaina
Steven Saunders
Celebrity chef Steven Saunders, of the Willow Tree in Bourn, Cambridge, previously worked in Ukraine and has launched the Odessa Project with Willow Tree owner Shaina Galvin.
Last week he called on the government to approve fast-track visas giving the right to work after being contacted by more than a hundred businesses wanting to welcome refugees.
He has been in contact with ministers and is now confident his scheme will be approved, in line with the government’s own proposal, which it is understood will grant Ukrainians at least three years’ leave to remain, the right to work, access to public services and most benefits.
Shaina Galvin
Co-founder of The Odessa Project, owner of The Willow Tree restaurant, and mother to nine year old twins, Shaina Galvin is a driving force behind this project.
With a strong background in media & event production, along with hospitality and management expertise, she is working closely with business partner Steven Saunders to navigate the Odessa project toward its core goal … to support Ukrainian refugees with long term security, safety and support.
Press & Media Coverage
If you would like to find out more about the great work we are doing or can help to spread the message, please get in touch and lets cut the red tape together.
The Times
“Steven Saunders has launched the Odessa Project to match refugees with jobs in hospitality.”
Cambridgeshire Live
“Steven wants to bring 1000 refugees to the UK and give them a home and work“
BBC News
Chef Steven Saunders describes his frustration as he tries to secure visas, work & accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.
East Anglia Daily Times
“Chef to visit Ukrainian border to help refugees find jobs and homes in UK”
The Caterer
“Chef launches project to connect Ukrainian refugees with hospitality businesses”
Cambridge Independent
“Chef Steven Saunders and The Willow Tree owner work on campaign to help Ukrainian refugees”
Euro Weekly
Celebrity chef and former owner of the Little Geranium in La Cala de Mijas, Steven Saunders is throwng his weight behind his plan to assist Ukrainian refugees.
Sky News
Chef Steven Saunders describes his frustration as he tries to secure visas, work & accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.
Become a Volunteer Today
We are looking for people to help us with admin, operations, recruitment, care, councillors, IT and web site support, media support, logistics, drivers & much more. Enrol below and come and meet us and let’s discuss some options. We would love to have you on board!
If you would like to join our team as a much-needed volunteer, please do not hesitate to contact us here.
We Already Have Over 1500 Jobs Available
As it stands today we have over 800 rooms available within some fantastic organisations across the UK. That equates to about 1,500 jobs or more. Jobs vary from chefs to Porters or bar and service to housekeeping and gardening.
Helping Families All Over the Ukraine
The families will be looked after, have work in the hospitality sector and receive salaries. (Hospitality is on its knees post Covid/ Brexit because of severe staff shortages) They will be earning a good salary (above minimum wage) and they will have accommodation or a home here in the UK where it is safe.
News & Updates
Steven arrives in Poland
On Monday 21st March, Steven arrived in Poland to begin discussions with those on the ground. A successful day of meeting other organisations desperately trying to help out resulted in a partnership with https://icanhelp.host/
East Anglia Daily Times
A celebrity chef will visit the Polish/Ukrainian border in an attempt to help refugees find hospitality jobs and new homes in the UK. Steven Saunders, whose brother Stuart owns A-Listers in Woodbridge, said he is "saddened and angry" about the war in...
The Caterer
A chef is preparing to travel to the Ukrainian border next week after launching a campaign to connect refugees displaced by the conflict with hospitality businesses able to offer accommodation and employment. Steven Saunders, of the Willow Tree in Bourn, Cambridge,...
