It’s been a challenging few years for the hospitality industry, but restaurants throughout the country haven’t let their own struggles dampen their charitable spirits, as close to 50 venues participate in DineAid to raise money for the City Missions in the lead up to Christmas.
Having commenced in November and concluding on December 31, participating restaurants will give customers the opportunity to donate by either adding $2 to their bill or creating a DineAid special on the menu, with $2 from every dish going to the cause. One hundred percent of the money raised goes towards food banks in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and the South Island regions.
This year, DineAid welcomes some well-known restaurateurs as ambassadors; Sid and Chand Sahrawat (Cassia, Sid at the French Café, and KOL), Tom and Sophie Hishon (Kingi, Daily Bread, and Orphans Kitchen), and Emma Ogilvie and Nick Landsman (Bar Celesteand Gloria’s) to name a few.
“Unfortunately the most vulnerable members of our community have become even more so over the past two years. DineAid has raised $892,000 since its launch in 2012, and we want to hit $1 million this year. Our ambassadors have come on board to help with that," said Mark Gregory, DineAid founder.
“DineAid has always been a very special charity for us to support, at a time when most people are having Christmas functions and our businesses are reaping the rewards of a busy festive season, it helps us to give back to those less fortunate in our community. Hospitality has always been about sharing and celebrating around food, and fundraising with DineAid is an extension of that for us," said Chef Sid Sahrawat and long-time supporter of DineAid.
“I know that the last few years have been unbelievably difficult for the hospitality industry so it really does mean a lot that many restaurants are taking part in DineAid. It’s a wonderful way for Aucklanders to celebrate being together at Christmas while supporting people in greatest need across our city. The cost of living increase means that many individuals and families are struggling this Christmas. During December, the Mission expects to provide more than 10,000 parcels of food and around 40,000 gifts for tamariki. We can only deliver on that promise with the generosity of Aucklanders – and DineAid offers a wonderful way for people to show their support with just a small addition to the bill at the end of a delicious meal. Every donation will help this Christmas," said Helen Robinson, Auckland City Missioner.
Participating outlets include:
Auckland
Bar Celeste
Bar Magda
Burger Burger (Commercial Bay, Ponsonby, Newmarket, Takapuna)
Cassia
Cazador
Cocos Cantina
Daily Bread (Ponsonby, Point Chevalier, Belmont, Federal Street, Newmarket)
Daphnes Taverna
Fatimas (Takapuna, Commercial Bay, Ponsonby)
Gemmayze Street
Glorias
KOL
Kingi
Lilian
Milenta
Onslow
Poni
Ponsonby Road Bistro
Sid at the French Café
Williams Eatery
Wellington
Artisan at the Bolton
Kisa
Liberty
Logan Brown
Mr Go’s
Ombra
Christchurch
Burger Burger CHC
Gatherings
King of Snake
Mexicanos
Twenty Seven Steps
Oamaru
Cucina (Oamaru)
Del Mar (Oamaru)
Riverstone Kitchen (Oamaru)
Tees St Café (Oamaru)
Queenstown / Arrowtown
Aosta
Little Aosta
