Dear Friends,

As the year draws to a close, we take this moment to reflect on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved together in 2024. This year has been filled with challenges, transitions, and triumphs, and we couldn’t have done it without your unwavering support.

Our Impact in 2024
This year, our team prepared and served a staggering 74,064 meals, that's 12,000 more than last year. Our bussiest month was July, where we reached an all-time high of 9,604 meals, with our busiest day being July 5th with an enormous 661 dishes in just one day! 

Let's highlight our top three dishes of the year: Mujadara (4,494 servings), Chicken Burgers with Potatoes (3,713 servings), and Aloo Gobi (4,210 servings)! 

Can you believe that means we cooked a whopping 345 kgs of bulgur wheat for just one dish? And here’s a fun fact: between these recipes, we chopped through 1,049 kgs of onions, a lot of happy tears were shed in the kitchen this year!

Victoria Community Centre 
Over six months at the Victoria Community Centre, we served 12,470 meals and provided 30,000 cups of tea, coffee and juice to those in need. While we bid farewell to this chapter, we are proud of the support we were able to provide during this time.

Culinary Futures
This year, we completed both our Basic and Advanced Culinary Training courses, with 48 graduates embarking on or advancing their culinary careers. Each graduate represents a story of determination in creating a sustainable livelihood. 

Here's what our student, Rania had to say about her experience;

'I feel so happy, I was so happy studying the new skills, knowing new friends from everywhere and in the last class I felt like I’m in my family. We cook together, we help each other and I feel like I knew them from a long time ago' 

Peek into graduation time during our culinary training here! 

Team Transitions
2024 was a year of change for the Saffron Kitchen family. After years of dedicated service, we said farewell to two cherished members of our team. Our long-term Operations Coordinator, Daphne, has taken on a new role in education and our Sous Chef, Mamadou, earned a prestigious scholarship to pursue a career as a yacht chef. We wish them both all the luck and welcome them back for lunch any time!

Amid these goodbyes, we were delighted to welcome a fantastic new Project Manager, Stella, in the spring, whose energy and positivity are already driving our mission forward. To all our team members; past, present, and future, thank you for your dedication and commitment to the cause. 

This year, we were fortunate to have the support of over 150 dedicated volunteers, whose time, effort, and passion played an essential role in making our work possible.

Reflections and Hopes for 2025
It has been a difficult year globally. From natural disasters to conflicts, the world’s challenges feel ever-present. Witnessing especially the targeting and loss of food aid workers hit very close to home, highlighting the risks faced by those working to support vulnerable communities. We stand in solidarity with all aid workers and believe deeply in their protection.

At SKP, we remain committed to our mission of unity and peace through food. Together, we strive to create small but meaningful ripples of hope, compassion, and connection.
As we move into 2025, we carry our collective resilience and a renewed dedication to serving our community. Thank you for being an indispensable part of this journey.

With love and solidarity, 

Evelina and the Saffron Kitchen Project Team