Raising a glass for giving back
The Sydney chapter of a non-profit organisation provides catering with a compassionate twist. After hosting dining events for paying guests, Eat, Drink, Give uses the funds to wine and dine disadvantaged inner-city community members for free.
On December 8, the foundation held its first ‘give’ event which involved preparing, cooking and serving a Christmas banquet for 100 elderly and disadvantaged community members at the Uniting Care Harris Centre in Ultimo. The group has held paid events such as the New York, New York cocktail party in September, and the opening of anUltimo-Pyrmont photography exhibition in October.
Founded by Sasha Tong and Brendon Harrington last August, the group has participated in a number of fundraising events and continues to gather volunteers. “Food without prejudice” has become its slogan.
Ms Tong said: “Our aim through Eat, Drink, Give is simply to provide real pleasure for people who need it more than us. We cook to suit our guests’ tastes: Asian, vegetarian, European – we can produce anything required. It may be a five-course ‘gourmet’ dinner, or catered or buffet style events, depending on the style of function being held.
“We were planning a dinner party for a group of friends when the Queensland floods struck in early 2011 followed by subsequent major disasters in New Zealand and Japan,” she said. “We’ve both been extremely fortunate throughout our lives and never in a situation where we didn’t have enough, or were isolated from others within our communities.”
Mr Harrington, who works in advertising, said: “We realised then how much we took for granted and that we could make a difference by doing more than just putting food on our table.
“We decided to give something back. Our one-night dinner party to raise funds turned into a five-day marathon for friends who wanted to contribute to helping the victims of those catastrophes.
“It was a logical step. We recognised that there are many local people who could benefit. Our main aim is to brighten their day and provide some happy memories for those who attend these special occasions.”
By Georgia Fullerton
