DineAid has returned for 2024, with the goal of raising funds to support city missions around New Zealand in the lead up to Christmas.
The hospitality industry has once again rallied to support those in need this Christmas, with more than 60 restaurants across New Zealand signing on to participate in the 2024 annual DineAid Christmas campaign, which raises money for the City Missions in the lead-up to Christmas.
Now in its twelfth year, starting November 1st, and running through to December 31, DineAid will work to connect those who can enjoy a meal out, with those who are experiencing food insecurity.
Participating restaurants give diners the opportunity to donate by either adding $2 to their bill or by adding $2 to a popular dish, with all funds going to the City Mission closest to their city or region.
Thanks to sponsorship, this year from Precinct Properties, 100 percent of the money donated by diners via DineAid goes to City Mission food banks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch who in turn distribute food to more than 135 locations throughout New Zealand.
Last year’s Christmas campaign raised NZD $60,000, more than NZD $12,000 up from 2022, with the top 10 fundraisers based in Auckland, Wellington and Oamaru as follows. Ombra; (Wellington) NZD $4804.00; Hello Beasty (Auckland) NZD $4129.00; Cucina (Oamaru); NZD $4000.00; Duo (Auckland) NZD $3682.00; Riverstone Kitchen, (Oamaru) NZD $3297.00; Oyster Inn (Waiheke Island) NZD $3260.00; Kisa (Wellington) NZD $2922.00; Odettes (Auckland) NZD $2286.00; Kingi (Auckland) NZD $2392.00 and Gemmayze Street (Auckland) NZD $1790.
Since its inception in 2012, the DineAid New Zealand Charitable Trust has raised NZD $1,159,120.46 and hopes to be able to raise another NZD $80,000 by the end of December.
DineAid founder Mark Gregory said he is heartened by so many restaurants across the country (old and new) who have chosen to get involved and help with grace and compassion and also to Precinct Properties for their donation to cover administration and printing costs.
“Thank you to over a million Kiwis for your support and for your belief in doing good. We simply couldn’t do what we do without our amazing restaurants and, most importantly their customers and teams,” said Gregory.
“Each year, with the help of dozens of leading restaurants, we're able to continue reaching the local communities we serve. This year is no different, due to the cost of living crisis, there is a higher demand on food banks than ever. With every single donation during the annual DineAid, we'll be helping struggling people and families across New Zealand.”
Helen Robinson, Auckland City Missioner – Manutaki was grateful to have the support of DineAid again this year.
“At a time when the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai food relief service has seen government funding cuts amidst a sustained demand, I am ever grateful for the support of DineAid restaurants and customers,” she said.
Each DineAid donation is viewed as so much more than a couple of dollars on the bill, collectively every dollar enables the Misson to provide boxes of food to people when they are in greatest need. In turn that helps families come together to enjoy Christmas, while have support when children return to school for a new year of learning, particularly with the current high cost of living.
“My thanks goes to every person and restaurant who participates in DineAid this year – your donation makes an important difference”.
The DineAid annual Christmas Campaign runs from November 1st to December 31st, 2024.
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