Fundraising Operations Coordinator

Placemaking community dinner. Join Placemaking Europe for an intimate, placemaking community evening to connect, share stories and an amazing meal prepared for Placemaking Europe by a local NGO Mniej Więcej (More or Less) that will fuse Polish and Ukrainian cuisine. Placemaking Europe will meet in the Czasoprzestrzeń (SpaceTime) - The Center for Young Culture and Local Initiatives in Zajezdnia Dąbie (old tram depot). Placemaking Europe is still incredibly fond of the memories of the dinner at La Polveriera, in Reggio Emilia last year that brought together 150 placemakers. This year Placemaking Europe is making space for 200 of you. Placemaking Europe is proud that Czasoprzestrzeń will be one of the venues hosting Placemaking Week sessions. Since 2017, this former tram depot has been transformed into a true community hub, bringing together families, seniors, students, artists, and local organizations through hundreds of events, concerts, and workshops each year. The big hall itself won't be open during regular sessions, so the community dinner will be your chance to gather there and experience the space that has brought so many people together. The beginnings of Mniej Więcej date back to February 2022. After the Russian assault on Ukraine, thousands of Poles moved to the border to help refugees fleeing the war. Everyone helped as much as they could and could. Paweł Bieganowski and Tomasz Wencek, two chefs from Wrocław, went to Korczowa to cook for fleeing refugees. Dozens of other people, including members of the World Central Kitchen (WCK), have met dozens of other people on the spot. A few days later, WCK began launching food outlets for refugees in various Polish cities, including Wrocław. Within two days and with the support of dozens of people, two canteens were able to be launched - one in Space-Time at ul. Tram 1-3, second in Sector3 at ul. Legnicka 65. At both points, nearly 6000 meals a day were issued free of charge. Organizationally, five people were responsible for the launch and proper functioning of WCK canteens in Wrocław: Paweł Bieganowski, Dominik Gibowicz, Maciej Gołębiowski, Wojciech Tycholiz and Tomasz Wencek. At the end of August, the activities of World Central Kitchen in Poland were closed, and those responsible for running canteens, being aware of the enormity of their needs, decided to continue their charity activities. For this purpose, they created the More Or Less Foundation and Social Cooperatives. The menu. Soups. Żurek (sour rye soup) - made with homemade rye starter, horseradish, marjoram, and white sausage Ukrainian-style borscht - with beetroot, cabbage, and beans; served with yeast rolls (*pampushky*) Pierogi. Ruskie - homemade dumplings filled with cottage cheese, potatoes, and fried onion Pelmeni - homemade dumplings filled with pork and beef - Ukrainian Cabbage and mushroom - plant-based dumplings with cabbage and wild mushrooms - vegan Dessert. Crêpes - with poppy seeds, cherry preserves, and sour cream Drinks. * Juices and soft drinks * Wine * Local beer Due to the nature of dishes Placemaking Europe is not able to accommodate a gluten-free diet. The only gluten free option is the Ukrainian-style borscht. "For the Public" and arts in placemaking. During the dinner you will have a chance to explore the art installation by Adam Roigart. Adam has been working on a body of work titled "For the Public" with previous iterations in Stockholm and Tokyo. They are installations and public performances where the audience are invited to join on an exploration of hidden places in the city and inhabit them by doing a small hosting activity together. Come and see for yourself what this format can do at Placemaking Week Europe. Placemaking Europe is looking forward to share this meal and connecting atmosphere with you! Are Placemaking Europe missing out on something?

Drugs found hidden in humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza, COGAT says. August 24, 2026 10:34 am GAZA (VINnews) - World Central Kitchen staff discovered illegal drugs concealed inside humanitarian aid packages while preparing food in Gaza on Monday, according to Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. The aid organization reported the incident to COGAT after finding the substances hidden inside canned pepper packages. The discovery included six packs of hashish totaling 600 grams and 162 grams of unidentified illicit substances, COGAT said in a statement. COGAT said it views Hamas's ongoing use of humanitarian aid for illicit smuggling with extreme severity. "Hamas stops at nothing, even embedding dangerous narcotics directly into the humanitarian aid entering Gaza," the statement said. "Such cynical tactics jeopardize vital aid operations for their own selfish gains." The agency noted that World Central Kitchen had responsibly reported the smuggling attempt. COGAT released a photo of the seized materials along with its statement.

Gift for Life board tops 92 percent of annual fundraising goal with 4 months to go. The charitable organization has raised nearly $230,000 toward its $250,000 goal for 2026 thanks to successful spring and summer events... Board members reflect on their mid-year progress and look toward the future. Gift for Life, the gift and home industry's charitable organization, has raised nearly $230,000 toward its $250,000 fundraising goal for 2026, surpassing 92 percent of its annual target midway through the year. The milestone reflects another strong year of industry generosity and engagement. At its recent mid-year board of directors meeting, board members celebrated the organization's progress while reaffirming their commitment to supporting charitable causes through the collective efforts of the gift and home industries. Highlights from the first half of 2026 include: * Raising $49,242 in support of AIDS Walk New York, continuing Gift for Life's long-standing commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. * Raising an incredible $164,934 for World Central Kitchen during the Retailer Excellence Awards celebration honoring Peter Schauben with Gift for Life's Lifetime Humanitarian Award. * Expanding fundraising opportunities through industry events, partnerships, and donor engagement that continue to strengthen Gift for Life's impact across the gift and home community. "Reaching more than 90 percent of our annual fundraising goal by mid-year is an exciting milestone and a testament to the generosity of our industry," said Amy Loewenberg, chair of Gift for Life. "From supporting AIDS Walk New York to the incredible response to our Retailer Excellence Awards benefiting World Central Kitchen, driven by the generosity surrounding this year's honoree, our community continues to demonstrate what can be accomplished when we come together for a greater purpose. I am grateful to our board of directors, our sponsors, our volunteers, and every individual and company whose support is helping Gift for Life make a meaningful difference." During the meeting, the board also reviewed strategic priorities for the remainder of 2026, including upcoming fundraising initiatives, continued industry engagement, and opportunities to further expand Gift for Life's charitable impact. Directors expressed confidence that the organization's momentum will continue through the balance of the year. "While we're proud of what we've accomplished so far, we're equally excited about what's ahead," Loewenberg added. "With the continued support of our industry, we're well positioned to achieve our fundraising goal and continue investing in organizations that provide hope, relief, and essential services to people in need." Gift for Life will continue its fundraising efforts throughout the second half of 2026 with additional initiatives that bring together retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives, suppliers, and service providers in support of its charitable mission.