Alexandra G.: The Inspiring Journey of a Volunteer Cook
Posted on September 22, 2024 – News
Meet Alexandra G., also known as Al Ex on Facebook, where she humbly describes herself as a “volunteer cook.” A decade ago, health challenges placed her in a wheelchair, but this has not deterred her from her culinary passions. “I have always cooked, ever since I was little with my mother!” she recalls fondly. Alexandra’s journey into the culinary world took a sweet turn when she decided to train in pastry making, driven purely by her love for the craft.
However, as a mother of two, Alexandra faced the reality of balancing family life with a demanding work schedule typical of the culinary industry. “4 a.m. to 1 p.m. shifts were incompatible with family life,” she shared. Consequently, she pivoted toward a career in general cooking, which included spending two formative years as a mason in a work integration project in her hometown of Saint-Sauvant to fund her second vocational certificate. “I went back to school at 30,” she smiles, showcasing her unwavering determination.
From Challenge to Opportunity: A Culinary Journey
After her time in education, Alexandra found herself at the Crous, the university catering service, and later worked in a traditional restaurant known as a bouchon lyonnais located in Poitiers. Despite battling illness for twenty years, Alexandra’s resolve remained strong. “I always said that the disease would not stop me. Since I could no longer work in a traditional setting, I decided to dedicate my time to volunteer work,” she explained.
A Life in Volunteering
Volunteering has been a family affair for Alexandra. “I grew up with it; my parents, especially my mother, were deeply involved in community service,” she confides. This sense of community service flows through her veins. Today, volunteering has become her new vocation, as she generously dedicates her time to cooking and preparing meals, often welcoming her daughters along with her.
The Adventure of Festivals
In her role as the “conductor” of various volunteer efforts, Alexandra meticulously plans and orchestrates large-scale cooking events. “I prepare the material and the technical sheets. Sharing and solidarity is at the heart of what I do because I can no longer work alone,” she emphasizes. Over the course of events like Biard dans les airs and the Décroissance festival, Alexandra showcased her skills by preparing massive quantities of pancakes and meals for festivals, bringing joy and nourishment to volunteers, artists, and technicians alike.
Recent Accomplishments
- Biard dans les airs: Prepared 1,200 pancakes in two days.
- Décroissance Festival: Served 2,500 meals to festival participants.
- K7 Open House: Participated in community outreach through culinary efforts.
- Bazz’Arts Festival: Scheduled to contribute on September 28 and 29.
Financial and Logistical Considerations
Despite the obstacles, Alexandra has managed to equip herself gradually, relying on minimal financial compensation for travel expenses and accommodations while pursuing her passion for cooking at various events. “I just ask for an allowance for the kilometers, a place to sleep, and… we’re off on an adventure for a few days!” she exclaims. This pragmatic approach allows her to focus on what she loves while contributing positively to her community.
Empowering Others by Overcoming Barriers
Alexandra is determined to send a powerful message to everyone, particularly her daughters. “I want to prove to people that just because you’re disabled doesn’t mean you can’t do anything,” she asserts with conviction. Her unwavering spirit serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating that passion and community can outweigh life’s challenges.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Community Connection: Build lasting relationships with local organizations and individuals.
- Skill Development: Learn new cooking techniques and improve culinary skills.
- Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of giving back to the community.
- Empowerment: Inspire others to overcome their challenges and lead by example.
Get Involved
For those inspired by Alexandra’s story, there are numerous ways to get involved in volunteer cooking and community service. Whether you’re looking to assist in food preparation or set up community events, connecting with local organizations can be your first step toward making a difference.
If you want to learn more about Alexandra’s endeavors or get involved, feel free to connect with her via Facebook: Contact Facebook Al Ex.
