The huge plan of a priest who left the altar to cook for hundreds of orphaned children: “No belly should remain empty on June 1”
Father Dan Damaschin exchanges, for a few days, the altar with the kitchen. The well-known priest from Iași is launching a new mobilization of proportions for the hundreds of poor children in the county, right on the eve of June 1. Under the motto “We are spreading rumors in the country, so that no stomach remains empty”, he went straight to the pot to give the saddest of children an unforgettable day.
Father Damaschin started cooking for children Photo: Voice of life
“I quit my job and started cooking! I have hundreds of children to feed on June 1!”, announced priest Dan Damaschin.
From word to deed: “I equipped myself properly!”
“Darlings, it's only a few days until summer officially starts! Well, know that we have big plans for the first day of summer, and that is to celebrate Children's Day properly”the priest said.
Image 1/10:
Father Damaschin, involved in numerous humanitarian campaigns Photo: Voice of life
Therefore, Father Dan Damaschin did not hesitate to put on the chef's clothes. Moreover, it is not the first initiative of this kind, the priest being known for his constant involvement in charitable actions dedicated to poor children.
“And, if we are still preparing for a great celebration, I said that I can't call you to good deeds with words only, but I have to go straight to work. So… I equipped myself properly!”, said the parent.
With a cap on his head like a true chef, equipped with black protective gloves, red festive apron and armed with a bell full of “magic dust and good taste,” the priest went straight to the helm of a huge cauldron.
“Love Instead of Ingredients”
Asked what is being prepared in the huge campaign pots, the father explains in his characteristic style: “What's cooking in there? Well, in addition to the secret ingredients, we sprinkle lots and lots of love and a touch of childishness for our little ones. Sure, but when you're setting out to feed hundreds of thousands of children, you need a cauldron the size of an ocean and muscle to stir it in!”
Father Dan Damaschin's initiative starts from a sad social reality. In several villages in Iasi county, poverty leaves its mark on the daily life and childhood of hundreds of children. “You know well that June 1st is the day of childhood, smiles and pure happiness. But for hundreds of children from our poor families, this June 1st can be a day as hard as any other: a day with an empty stomach, with hidden desires and with their eyes turned towards the joys of others. Who helps them feel the taste of happiness? Who fills their plates with goodies?”Dan Damaschin drew attention.
Call for national mobilization: “We're putting Polish in motion”
Father Damaschin launched a general mobilization call to all Romanians with a big heart. “We can't sit idly by! We spread the word in the country, set the Polish people in motion and start a general mobilization to give them the most beautiful June 1st of their lives!”, he urged.
Romanians, united in good deeds. Over 10,000 children are waiting for help for the Holidays
On Monday, June 1, the caravan of generosity will reach the deep countryside: “On Monday, we go with all joy to the community of Mădârjac, where hundreds of poor children or orphans await us with eyes full of hope.”
The event will not be just a simple distribution of packages. After the religious service, everything will turn into a big outdoor celebration: “After the Holy Liturgy, we turn everything into a huge feast of joy!”, promised the priest.
“Chef Damaschin” and the festive menu: shaorma and a huge cake
For the little ones from Mădârjac, who have never had parties in modern playgrounds, father Damaschin promises a feast in honor. “We want these children to forget their worries and taste the best. If they can't go to girls' parties, come «Damascene chef» with the mobile kitchen and the party directly at their place!”, says the parent.
The menu has already been established and is designed to please all children, even the pickiest ones: “We want fun, games, laughter and eye-full meals with shaorma, brown fries, fruit, cakes, sweet juices and a cake so big that even the most gluttonous will say they are tired of chewing!”.
50 lei for a fairytale childhood. How can you help?
The priest asks the big-hearted people at home to become his accomplices in this beautiful story. “But in order for this huge cauldron to be filled to the brim and no belly to remain empty, I really need your help, my remote “cook's helpers!”, said Father Dan Damaschin.
The calculated cost to make a child happy is the equivalent of a modest amount for a person with an average income: “How much is a ticket for a child to this fairy-tale feast? Only 50 lei! With only 50 lei, a child will eat to his heart's content, receive treats, sweets and a warm memory that he will always carry in his soul. Nothing for us, but a complete miracle for them!”.
“Veronica”, the first social hospital in Romania intended for the poor. “I chose the name of a mother who could not be treated in time”
Anyone who wants to get involved can do so with a simple message on social media: “Send a private message on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or WhatsApp and tell us decisively: parent, I also put an ingredient in the cauldron! I want to offer a June 1 story for 1, 2, 3 or 10 children!. Let's join forces and offer them all the goodies of childhood on the table! ARE WE GIVING A DREAM CHILDHOOD?”
All this action is carried out through the Foundation “Voice of Life”through which father Dan Damaschin has been coordinating social projects in Iași county and beyond for years.
Through this organization, more than 1,000 children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive monthly material support, food, clothing and educational support in order not to drop out of school.
At the same time, father Dan Damaschin built, from donations, a hospital with dozens of specializations, with high-performance equipment and even a pharmacy. The clinic is called “Veronica” and is the first social hospital in Romania intended for needy people.
