Singaporean Food Hero Brings Warmth to Polish-Ukraine Border
While some folks are heading to Ukraine armed with fierce determination, 34‑year‑old Priveen Suraj Santhakumar decided to bring the opposite kind of gear: a fully‑loaded kitchen and a generous serving of compassion.
Why Not Fight?
“I’m not about to grab a weapon and hop onto the frontlines,” Priveen told Tamil Murasu. “I’m a former staff nurse, but the paperwork to fly into Ukraine was a nightmare. So I parked in Warsaw and jumped straight into the heart of the relief effort.”
Mission on the Move
- Flown from Singapore to Warsaw on 24 March.
- Volunteered with the Rotary Club of Poland.
- Helped transport refugees across the border and served hot meals.
- Led a drive from Warsaw to Lviv, carrying about 100 hopefuls back to safety.
The Human Side of Hardship
“They’re mostly kids,” Priveen shared. “Some walked five days, food‑deprived, on bare feet. I’m on a mission to turn a bowl of soup into a lifeline.”
A memorable moment: a teen and his two younger siblings, stranded in an abandoned shop in Lviv with nothing but hope. Their parents, still fighting in Kyiv, left them in the hands of fate.
Getting Real in the Cold
“Poland’s winter is brutal—about 2 °C, which makes me feel like a popsicle myself,” he laughed. “We’re running hot meals around the clock because the relief teams are down to one person. In a little while, the refugees will be out in the frozen air, but let’s make sure they’re warm on the inside first.”
A New Chapter for a Cleaning Business Owner
Back in Singapore, Priveen runs a cleaning company and has spent time volunteering locally and nursing during COVID‑19. But nothing could prepare him for the visceral reality of war‑induced migration.
“I’ve talked to so many people lately,” he said. “Some came on foot, others walked almost 12 hours waiting for their documents. Every meal, every conversation is a tiny victory.”
In Summary
From the streets of Singapore to the frosty borders of Poland, Priveen Suraj Santhakumar tells us that the most powerful weapons against a crisis are food, empathy, and an empty stomach on a cold night. A simple act like a steaming meal can turn a night of uncertainty into a beacon of hope. Let’s celebrate the all‑too‑ordinary heroes who step up when the world needs a little bit of warmth.
Mr. Priveen’s First Humanitarian Mission Overseas
Picture this: a bright-eyed young man, full of zeal, ready to head off to Poland to help refugees, only to be thwarted by a sneaky virus. This was the story of Mr. Priveen (a.k.a. Priveen Suraj Santhakumar) before his brave expedition finally took off.
COVID’s Sneak Attack
On the day before his flight was scheduled for March 14, a surprising test result told him the trip had to wait:
- He tested positive.
- Feeling disappointed, he decided to stay home until fully recovered.
- During the recovery period, he used the extra time to research and connect with volunteer groups in Poland.
Family and Friends: The Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
While Priveen was covering the travel costs himself, his loved ones were there every step of the way:
- Mother: He kindly urged her to stay home because of her own health issues.
- Father: Had recently undergone surgery; his encouragement helped keep him going.
- Two Younger Brothers: Offered both emotional support and a bit of motivation.
- Friends: Chucked in some cash, letting Priveen snag winter gear and essentials.
Getting Involved: The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY)
As a member of the IFLRY—an organization headquartered in Brussels that champions liberal values worldwide—Priveen sought a deeper understanding of the ravages that Ukraine’s refugees were enduring. The federation arranged a video call with a family hunkered down in their basement.
A Glimpse Into Their Reality
- The family: Four members—older parents plus two daughters in their twenties.
- Stuck in a basement, they had only canned food and bottled water.
- They were terrified and confused, unable to gauge what was happening outside.
- Their story relayed how friends and relatives fled, abandoning built‑up lives to escape the war.
Hearing that tale, Priveen had an epiphany: “Now that’s what I can do about it.” He was suddenly convinced of his role in helping people in dire need.
From Singapore to Poland: One Guy’s Brave Chapter in Ukraine Relief
Meet Mr Priveen, a Singaporean who traded his comfy office chair for a biking rig in the muddy streets of Warsaw. After a quick chat with the Ukrainian embassy in Singapore, he set out to splash some hope on the front‑line refugees—no tickets to the war zone, just a month’s worth of hard‑handed humanity.
What’s the Mission?
- A month of on‑ground support – From setting up tents to handing out blankets, Priveen’s agenda is all about the people.
- Fund‑raising grind – He’s hunting donations so he can buy essential gear: blankets, toiletries, sanitary pads, and food.
- Wake‑up call for Singaporeans – He’s hoping that his adventure will rub nerves out of folks who think a donation is the “final step.”
Why Go the Extra Mile?
Priveen thinks that a quick trip to a neighbouring European city (currently Poland, the near-passport of Ukraine) might be a sweet compromise – safe for him, but close enough to witness the refugee crisis.
Quote Time
“Singaporeers live pretty cushy lives,” he says. “Some of us get the feeling that once a check has cleared, we’re done. But walking the streets of a place hit hard by war? That keeps the empathy alive.”
He hopes his story will scare apart the why and ignite a how in everyone.
In a Nutshell
From expert donors to city‑wide volunteers, Priveen’s life in Poland is about: standing up where it matters and making a tangible difference. The region’s refugees will find them not just a hand, but a bold heart.
Source: The Straits Times, rewritten by a passionate English writer.
