OzHarvest’s largest fundraiser, the CEO Cook Off, is taking place next week in Sydney with 50 chefs from across Australia teaming up with executives to cook dinner for more than 1000 people in need. As well as providing meals on the night, the annual event helps OzHarvest raise money to feed those who struggle to afford food, with more than $7 million raised in the last seven years.
This year, Saint Peter’s Josh Niland, Duncan Welgemoed of Africola and 13 female chefs, including Christine Manfield and Danielle Alvarez, will join long-time participants including Peter Gilmore and Guillaume Brahimi. Each chef works with a team of up to five volunteers from companies such as Woolworths, Electrolux and PwC to prepare and serve a meal for a table of guests, many of whom rarely, if ever, get the chance to eat at restaurants. On the night, Colin Fassnidge will slow-roast lamb shoulder and serve it with roasted vegetables, while Niland will make a fish curry using native Australian produce.
“As a chef, I am so conscious about food waste,” Jacqui Challinor of Nomad says. “OzHarvest plays a pivotal role in connecting hungry bellies to food that would otherwise be thrown out so it’s an honour for me to be able to lend a helping hand.”
This year, OzHarvest is aiming to raise $2 million through donations to each chef and CEO. The charity, founded by Ronni Kahn, works to reduce food waste and highlight its effect on food shortages, disadvantage and malnutrition.
CEOs and other business executives can still register for the event.
OzHarvest CEO Cook Off, 19 March, Royal Hall of Industries, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park, NSW. ceocookoff.com.au
