CEO CookOff News

Fundraising and food relief at the Community CookOff

by OzAdmin

May 4, 2022

Da Orazio_Community CookOff_Mark Sherborne (21)
Da Orazio_Community CookOff_Mark Sherborne (21)
CEO CookOff News

Fundraising and food relief at the Community CookOff

by OzAdmin

Top Aussie chefs opened their kitchens up for the first time to help CEOs and corporate teams cook 5 star food relief for people in need at OzHarvest’s flagship fundraiser – The Community CookOff. The event embraced the Australian community spirit, good food and fundraising as over 120 participants from the business world join forces to cook up a storm. Teams included bp Australia, Canva, EY, PwC, Domain, Canon, Bloomberg, Salesforce, Boston Scientific, Woolworths who collectively raised more than $2.2 million (and counting) for leading food rescue organisation, OzHarvest.

OzHarvest Founder and CEO, Ronni Kahn AO, said the last two years has seen demand for food relief hit an all-time high, with more people than ever needing help. “Following the impact of bushfires, floods, COVID-19 and now the rising cost of living – there are so many families who are struggling to put food on the table.  It was incredible ot see the both the business and hospitality world rally to help cook delicious meals and raise valuable funds to meet the increasing need for food relief.

“There was a real buzz in 16 Sydney based restaurants as fresh produce was chopped, pots were stirred and teams and chefs bonded whilst making over 1,600 gourmet meals, which our yellow vans delivered to local charities.  It’s a hard climate for fundraising, but I was blown away by the passion and dedication of everyone who took part and there are still events in Brisbane and Melbourne over the next few weeks.”

bp Australia President, Frédéric Baudry joined the team at Sydney’s iconic Bennelong restaurant. “bp is proud to be a Presenting Partner of OzHarvest’s Community CookOff for the fourth year in a row. This exciting event is about connecting with our communities, investing in their well-being and restoring dignity for those who need it most.  This cause is important to all of us at bp under our sustainability commitments. It is a great source of personal pride and humility for me to be involved today and it was a privilege to don the apron and cook up nourishing meals for those in need.”

Restauranter and renowned Australian chef Matt Moran and his Aria team are long-time OzHarvest supporters. “The magic of the CookOff rippled through the Aria kitchen yesterday. I love the camaraderie, the purpose and the impact as teams works together to create delicious meals – the community spirit shone through.”

Community CookOff events will be held in Brisbane and Melbourne in the next two weeks and donations are open for the month of May.  Anyone can support the event and help OzHarvest reach the $3 million fundraising goal, which will provide an additional six million meals to those who need it most. Go to communitycookoff.com.au. to make a donation.