Home   Gravesend   News   Article

Andy Singh's Indian Street food stall in Gravesend raises thousands of pounds for British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal

Thousands of pounds have been raised to help aid war-torn Ukraine thanks to the return of a popular Indian food stall and the lucrative sale of a single samosa.

Andy Singh, who previously ran his pop-up in Gravesend Borough Market, is no stranger to good causes.

Andy was joined by the Four by Four Bhangra group and a Scottish bag pipe player from Folkestone
Andy was joined by the Four by Four Bhangra group and a Scottish bag pipe player from Folkestone

The Northfleet-based businessman pledged his culinary skills to raise funds for the London Fire Brigade service in the wake of the Grenfell fire disaster.

So when the community volunteer saw the plight of Ukrainians depicted daily on screen he felt compelled to act.

Sunday saw the return of his popular Indian street food stall for one day only, located inside the Thamesgate shopping centre.

Andy and his team of volunteers served up a variety of Indian snacks and meals – including samosas and mixed vegetable rice and chickpea curries – with all proceeds going directly towards the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

In total, the vendor managed to raised £3,300 in under six hours trading with Andy donating a further £200 himself to round the total up to £3500.

One of the donors, Mr Shaun Welch donated £250 for a single samosa in aid of the Ukraine appeal
One of the donors, Mr Shaun Welch donated £250 for a single samosa in aid of the Ukraine appeal

Following the event, Andy said: "It was absolutely stunning I have never done that much before.

"One of the guys, Mr Shaun Welch came for one samosa costing £1 only to give me £250 cash, that was incredible."

In a nod to the town's mixed multicultural heritage, the event also featured a variety of musical performances.

Throughout the day Punjabi music was performed by The Four by Four Bhangra drum group with a Scottish bagpipe player travelling all the way from Folkestone to lend his talents.

Andy was also paid a visit by young Ukrainians living in the local area who wanted to thank him for his support and play music.

This included one woman who was unable to make the event but arranged to meet Andy after to pass on her thanks and a £150 donation.

Andy Singh collecting a donation from Oksana, a Ukrainian national living in Gravesend.
Andy Singh collecting a donation from Oksana, a Ukrainian national living in Gravesend.

"One of the ladies, Oksana, who comes from Ukraine but lives in Gravesend could not make it," explained Andy.

"When she came she was emotional. She wanted to give something to someone but said 'I will give it to you because I know it will go there'.

"I told her the whole world is with you guys. I want to make sure it goes to the right place."

The street food holder added: "I could have donated all the money myself but bringing the community together, the people were incredible.

"We had every sort of person that came. They were donating anything, it was really overwhelming."

War in Ukraine has left millions of people with no safe place to call home.

Hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the country are still without food, water and medical aid.

Red Cross teams have been working around the clock to get critical care to those who need it most, both in Ukraine and its bordering countries.

But with recent freezing temperatures, and ongoing violence, an enormous number of people urgently need help right now.

To donate directly to the appeal click here.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More