BY BRANDON KATHMAN
Special to the Clarkston News

The Boy Scouts of Troop 189 will host a pancake breakfast in partnership with Clarkston United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 16, the proceeds of which will help those displaced by the war in Ukraine.
“After watching the news, we were inspired to find a way for Troop 189 to help,” said Ryan Snudden, a scout with Troop 189.
According to the troop’s leaders, a former scout now living abroad gave them the idea for the fundraiser. Eagle Scout Oskar Benson and his family moved from Clarkston to Kraków, Poland, in 2022. Since the invasion began in February, as many as 2.5 million Ukrainian refugees have sought safety in neighboring Poland, according to the Polish Border Guard. Twelve of them found it in the Benson family home.
“Being able to help provide these people a meal, a shower, clean clothes, and a safe place to rest when they need it the most has been an extremely rewarding and satisfying way to serve,” said Oskar’s mother Julie Benson. “I’m glad we are here and able to make their lives a little easier and help them regain their dignity during this tragic time.”
The funds raised during the event will be divided between the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the Plast National Scout Organization of Ukraine and the Polish Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
“The conflict overseas has weighed heavily on our hearts and minds,” Assistant Scoutmaster Ryan Weaver said. “I believe we have an amazing opportunity here to not only do something good for those in need, but also teach the youth in our program a valuable lesson.”
The breakfast will be served in the community center of Clarkston United Methodist Church, and diners can be seated at any time between 8-11 a.m. Plates will include pancakes with a side of sausage. Adults eat for $10, while those 10 and under are only $5. Children under 3 are free. Gluten-free options are available. Cash or checks only.
“The Scout Oath charges us to help other people at all times,” Weaver said. “It’s my hope that the scouts walk away from this experience having learned how easy it is to keep this promise, even on a large scale.”