Generations of Varsovians have taken their children to see the “szopka” (Christmas display) at the Capuchin Minor Friars’ monastery in Miodowa Street but unless you happen to go past the place during any other time of year, and at the right time of day, you wouldn’t know that for most of the year the friars provide an important social service, dispensing free food to those who need it. The rules are simple: anyone can show up if they need a free meal. No drunkenness or brawling are tolerated by the brothers – who have seen a lot over the years – but other than a little bit of discipline there are no other requirements.
My friend Marek Seretny, an experienced marketing strategist, has recently taken on the job of co-ordinating a new fundraising effort, aimed at building a larger kitchen and eating hall, and has asked for help in bringing this effort to the attention of the public. Last Friday I attended the lunch (tomato soup was really good!) and shot some photographs of the volunteers at work. These are going to be displayed to the visitors at Christmas szopka-time, perhaps as a reminder that the line between the haves and the have-nots really is not that thick. With luck people will reach into their pockets and the city fathers might also come in with some extra funding.
