Louth Volunteer Centre Celebrates “Cultural Kitchen Exchange” and “Taste of Togetherness” Initiatives
Ardee News and Sport — Louth Volunteer Centre Celebrates “Cultural Kitchen Exchange” and “Taste of Togetherness” Initiatives
The Louth Volunteer Centre is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its community-focused volunteering project, which perfectly coincides with Social Inclusion Week. The two-part initiative, “Cultural Kitchen Exchange” and “Taste of Togetherness,” has provided a fun and engaging way for people to come together, celebrate diversity, and build lasting connections—all through the universal language of food. Running throughout September, these innovative projects have already made a remarkable impact.
The idea originated from Dundalk resident and chef, Steffen Berkhahn, who has over 30 years of culinary experience. While volunteering on the Louth Walking Trail, he brainstormed with Louth Centre Manager, Kayleigh Mulligan, about a new way to give back using his expertise. With an upcoming sabbatical, Steffen saw an opportunity to volunteer in a way that combined his passion for food and community.
“Creating opportunities for volunteers to connect through their culinary heritage has been an incredible experience,” said Steffen. “Cooking a favorite meal and sharing it with others is such a great icebreaker. The kitchen atmosphere is warm, and the conversations that come from it are heartwarming.”
Working closely with Louth Volunteer Centre’s Rachel Christmas, the initiative took off. With kitchen facilities secured, menus planned, and ingredients purchased, the project began to take shape.
The “Cultural Kitchen Exchange” welcomes four new volunteers every Tuesday and Friday to cook a dish from their home culture, with all ingredients and kitchen space provided. After the cooking fun, the prepared meal is enjoyed by up to ten additional volunteers through the “Taste of Togetherness” lunch event, held every Tuesday and Friday in Dundalk from 1-2 pm throughout September.
Rachel shared, “This initiative evolved through conversations with volunteers, particularly those living in direct provision. We wanted to create something that allowed them to share their culinary heritage with the community. The variety of dishes and nationalities represented has been wonderful, and the first day was such a success—the food, the laughter, and the connections made it all so worthwhile.”
The first day of the project was a triumph, as participants not only enjoyed delicious food but also broke through language barriers, initiated conversations, and shared stories, all while forming new friendships.
The initiative highlights how food can bring people from different backgrounds together and foster a deeper sense of community. “Cultural Kitchen Exchange” and “Taste of Togetherness” exemplify how innovative projects can unite individuals and celebrate diversity in County Louth.
Louth Volunteer Centre offers numerous volunteering opportunities, including projects like these that make a significant impact. The Centre invites all members of the community to get involved, make new connections, and contribute to meaningful voluntary activities.
For more information about these initiatives or to sign up, contact Rachel at rachel@volunteerlouth.ie, or visit the Louth Volunteer Centre website: www.volunteerlouth.ie.
Contact Information:
• Website: www.volunteerlouth.ie
• Drogheda: Bolton Street, Drogheda, A92 DKR0 | 041 980 9008
• Dundalk: County Hall, Alphonsus Rd, Dundalk | 042 939 2934 / 086 043 1379
• Ardee: Ardee Library, Market Street, Ardee | 086 022 6577