The Auckland City Mission Cook-Off is back for 2019. On March 13 high profile CEOs will be guided by three top Auckland chefs to prepare a three-course meal for 200 at St Matthew-in-the-City.

Not only is the Mission hoping to raise $250,000 for the Mission, but to also highlight growing food insecurity among Auckland’s most vulnerable.

Auckland City Missioner Chris Farrelly says the event is important not only for the fundraising but to strengthen ties within our community with something simple and universal, a meal.

“We want to bring the business and hospitality community together with people who are struggling, to share food, tell stories and build connections.”

Cook-off guests will include a mix of homeless clients and low-income families the Mission works with.

Demand for Mission services grew to unprecedented levels in 2018 – the Mission provided more than 21,000 emergency food parcels for families and individuals, who otherwise would be going hungry. These parcels provide 893,844 meals. The Mission’s relies on donations to provide this essential service.

Representatives from Alsco, Mitre 10, Barfoot and Thompson, BP, REINZ, Ecostore, Rotary Club of Auckland, Red Bull, ASB, Simplicity and Vista group are taking part in the Cook-off.

The $250,000 raised by this event will help the Mission provide 3,846 emergency food parcels for families in desperate need.

Last year the Mission also successfully housed 90 homeless clients using the housing first model, provided 17,054 health consultations to vulnerable, high-needs patients and admitted 375 people to residential drug and alcohol detoxification facilities.

“We are in essence Auckland’s conscience, Auckland’s heart and Auckland’s hands” Auckland City Missioner Chris Farrelly says.

You can find more information on the Cook-Off here.

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