#USA #Washington D.C. #Heart of Azovstal #Dog Tag Inc. #Taste of Freedom

Heart of Azovstal Partners with Dog Tag Inc.

In a heartfelt endeavor, Heart of Azovstal, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the defenders of Mariupol, has joined forces with Dog Tag Inc. to launch the innovative Taste of Freedom project. This initiative aims not only to advocate for the immediate release of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) but also to cultivate international awareness regarding their hardships.

The collaboration was announced on February 20, 2025, marking the three-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Heart of Azovstal has been a pillar of support for those defending their homeland, and now, through the Taste of Freedom project, they aim to bring light to the individual stories of courage and resilience among Ukrainian POWs.

Culinary Advocacy Begins

At the heart of the Taste of Freedom project lies a unique approach—culinary arts. Heart of Azovstal and Dog Tag Inc. launched a recipe contest to incorporate the culinary talents of Ukrainian veterans, with the winning dessert being a traditional Cossack honey cake. This cake was created by Oleksandr Didur, a courageous defender from Mariupol, who was held as a POW for nearly fifteen months.

The cake incorporates rich flavors, including a sour cream frosting, cranberry filling, and a honey-lemon glaze. It will be available at Dog Tag's bakery, located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C., starting in February. Sales from the cake will continue through March 20, with a portion of proceeds directed towards the advocacy efforts for Ukrainian defenders. Additionally, purchasers will receive a card detailing the name and story of a POW, fostering a personal connection between the buyer and the ongoing struggles of these heroes.

Personal Advocacy from a POW

Oleksandr Didur's story adds a profound layer to this initiative. After enduring severe injuries during the initial Russian invasion of Mariupol in April 2022, Didur fought bravely but was eventually captured. His release in July 2023 came after a long ordeal, and now he is using his voice and experience to fight for fellow comrades still in captivity. Didur plans to travel to the U.S. to raise awareness and advocate for international support in securing their release.

Strengthening Community Bonds

Both Heart of Azovstal and Dog Tag Inc. emphasize the importance of community and support for veterans. Natalya Yemchenko, a member of the Supervisory Board of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation that oversees Heart of Azovstal, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the alignment of values between the two organizations. The initiative aims to not only raise funds but also foster a community that uplifts veterans and recognizes their sacrifices.

Dog Tag Inc. operates with a mission to empower veterans and military families, equipping them with education and resources to thrive post-service. The organization believes that the Taste of Freedom project not only showcases culinary talent but also embodies a model of resilience and community.

The Future of Partnership

The partnership between Heart of Azovstal and Dog Tag Inc. is seen as a stepping stone toward deeper collaboration in future projects. Both organizations share a commitment to improving the lives of veterans and their families through ongoing support initiatives and community engagement.

In concluding remarks, Meghan Ogilvie, CEO of Dog Tag Inc., celebrated the opportunity to work with a group dedicated to serving Ukrainian defenders, emphasizing the importance of returning to their communities with renewed hope and purpose. As the Taste of Freedom project unfolds, it seeks to create a tangible impact on both the POW advocacy movement and the support network for veterans.

This collaborative effort exemplifies how passion for culinary arts can be harnessed for social change, pressing the urgency for global support to ensure the release and rehabilitation of Ukrainian prisoners of war. By promoting these stories through delicious desserts, Heart of Azovstal and Dog Tag Inc. pave the way for raising awareness, understanding, and compassion across borders.