Ukrainian veteran opens a restaurant staffed by displaced Mariupol residents

After his service, a veteran of the russian-Ukrainian war Andrii Sarvira opened a restaurant with a brewery. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the former paratrooper's venue became a volunteer hub. Today, his restaurant First Wave provides work for displaced people from Mariupol, ShoTam reports.

What is the problem?

Due to the full-scale russian aggression, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians were left not only homeless but also without work and without means of living.

What is the solution?

In 2015, Andrii Sarvira volunteered for the 81st separate airborne assault brigade, performing combat missions in the Popasna and Vodiane areas in Ukraine's east. After demobilization, he fulfilled his old dream and opened a pizzeria. Gradually, the establishment expanded into a full-fledged restaurant with its brewery.

The veteran's project became a volunteer hub with the beginning of a full-scale invasion. The team fed displaced people, military personnel, and anyone in need for free.

How does it work?

Today, Andrii dared to resume work to support Ukraine's economy and provide jobs for migrants.

"Over the past year, the restaurant has been a volunteer hub and a free dining room. Today, we again invite guests to quizzes and delicious beer to support the state's economy and provide jobs. Now this glorious tradition is being continued by IDPs from Mariupol. These people are trying to build a new life," First Wave founder Andrii Sarvira shares.

The Ukrainian Veterans Fund is helping Andrii to bring the event pub back to life.

"Thanks to the VARTO grant, we have already purchased a stage, musical equipment, etc. And we plan to purchase equipment for the kitchen shortly. Of course, I advise all veterans also to apply and try various grants, including VARTO. I know many people who have succeeded. They are developing their business thanks to this money, so, of course, you should try," Andrii Sarvira assures.

Reference

A veteran of the russian-Ukrainian war, Oleksandr Ruban, is setting up a unique energy-independent shelter in Odesa so that military personnel and displaced persons can afford to rent housing near the sea at an affordable price.