Vodka with a twist… it’s for charity

– Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG’S Russian community hopes honey vodka and shasliks will allow a Russian orphanage to continue its passion for sled dogs.
The Russian Welfare Society will raise funds for an orphanage in Kodkishov, Russia, at a special dinner to be held at the Russian Reception Centre in Dandenong this month.
Heading the fundraiser is Leon Gubin, the proprietor of Russian Catering and a breeder of Siberian huskies.
Mr Gubin recently returned from a trip to the orphanage where he has been training young children aged about nine-years-old to care for and handle the huskies.
He said the children use the dogs as transport to a local school and to race in competitions.
“Before they go to school they have to feed them at 6am, then hook them up in winter time and go to school with them,” Mr Gubin said.
“That’s their transport. When they come back from school, they do their homework and again feed the dogs.
“They then clean the dogs and go for training runs.”
Mr Gubin said volunteers had also built a cattle farm for the 25 orphans, who were cared for by two families.
Mr Gubin said the forthcoming fundraiser would be a winter feast, featuring shasliks, Russian meat pies and type of vodka based on honey, known simply as honey vodka.
The candle-lit Russian evening will also feature assorted wines and beer, and unique Russian entertainment.
It will be held at the Russian Reception Centre, 164 Kirkham Road, Dandenong, on Sunday, June 18, at 6pm.
Tickets are $40 per person. Phone Russian Welfare on 9793 5955 for bookings or more information.