On Monday 10th June at St Matthew in the City Church, three teams came together to cook a delicious three-course meal for 150 Auckland City Mission guests, many of whom are experiencing homelessness or face a daily struggle to put food on the table. It was a special night for everyone involved.
A three-course menu was prepared by Chefs Petra Galler, Michael van de Elzen and Gareth Stewart with help from industry volunteers, while the Mission guests enjoyed a delicious meal and Dilmah beverages.
Dilmah CEO Dilhan Fernando was working on Chef Petra Galler’s team and says: “I joined business leaders and top chefs to cook for a cause, through what was a special evening of good food and great company.
“It was a special night for everyone involved, but I was shocked to learn that currently one in five Auckland families are struggling to put food on the table.”
“Every week the Mission distributes as many as 1,000 food parcels to families who are struggling to put food on the table AND serves over 1,500 warm and nutritious meals to people who are living on the streets or in substandard accommodation without any ability to cook.”
The event raised $197,000 on the night, with a couple more weeks left on the fundraising page.
Each participating senior business leader has also taken on the challenge to raise at least $10,000 to support Aucklanders in greatest need.
Demand for the Mission’s food services have rapidly increased over the past four years with thousands of Aucklanders receiving food parcels and warm meals to ensure people and families don’t go hungry. In addition to food parcels, the Mission also provides warm and nutritious meals to around 225 people who are living on the streets or in substandard accommodation without the ability to cook. Haeata, the Community Dining room, is open to the community 365 days of the year.
As winter approaches many people living on the streets will bear the brunt of the cold, wet and miserable weather, but thankfully the Mission is here to support people in greatest need.
You can donate to help Dilmah’s fundraiser here: Dilhan Fernando – Dilmah Tea in Cook Off 2024 (grassrootz.com)
