International Chefs Arrive in Africa to Support Needy Children

35 international chefs from eight countries touched down in Cape Town recently to embark on an unforgettable ten-day culinary journey as part of the Bidvest World Chefs Tour Against Hunger.

The plight of starving children in South Africa has motivated 250 chefs from 44 countries, along with over 700 local chefs, to give up their time and share their expertise during a massive ten-day fundraising drive throughout the country.

Pots clanging, pans sizzling, steam rising and the tantalising smells and tastes of foreign delicacies are some of the sights, smells and sounds that the public can look forward to at the various food festivals and demos taking place at select venues countrywide.

By supporting these initiatives, together with the not-to-be-missed gala dinners, the public will not only be able to taste cuisine from countries around the globe but will also play a role in raising funds to feed thousands of children.

Proceeds raised during the Tour will be donated to the Akani Diepsloot Foundation, African Children’s Feeding Scheme and Meals on Wheels Community Services, all of which do extraordinary work in their communities, as well as various other regional charities.

This year’s Tour, the third of its kind, is being arranged by the South African Chefs Association (SACA) and the Academy of Chefs, under the auspices of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). The Tour’s patron is Dr Bill Gallagher, founder of the original event in 1993, and its convenor is Martin Kobald, former SACA president.

“Our objective, through Bidvest’s support and the fundraising initiatives of the Tour, is to ensure that we can sustainably feed children over the next five year. It costs R10 a day to feed a child, and with R5 million we can feed 300 children every day for five years.”

The proceeds raised through the Tour will not be distributed in the form of monetary donations to charities but will be used to develop feeding schemes for the beneficiary charities and to buy the food needed to sustain those feeding plans for as long as possible.

Says Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, “The Mother City is known for its superb cuisine and talented chefs and yet there are still many who do not eat even the most basic of daily meals. This event encourages us all to play our part in the fight against hunger and we ask that the public combine their love of cuisine with an open heart to giving, by participating in this event.”

Phindile Hlalele from one of the beneficiaries, ACFS says, “The Tour will address one of the biggest challenges faced by South Africans every day, that of hunger. Hunger is affecting the growth of our children, their health and even their learning ability. Funds from this Tour bring us hope of getting the much needed funds we require to improve the quality of the lives of the less fortunate communities. It will allow us to provide assistance in the form of feeding the malnourished children, orphans, HIV/AIDS infected, children heading families and children from the poverty stricken families. Children who would otherwise go to bed without any food.”

Bidvest has donated R3.6 million to the cause, while Southern Sun is provided all the accommodation for the 250 visiting chefs. Chefs from the 44 visiting countries have paid their own way for the Tour and will be donating their time, expertise and services free of charge.

“At Southern Sun we are honoured to be a part of the Bidvest World Chefs Tour Against Hunger. Food is an integral element of our business so it was a natural fit to partner with Bidvest on this worthwhile project. Creating awareness of the plight of hungry children in South Africa is one of the most effective ways to raise funds and eventually make a difference. This project offers every South African a chance to get involved. For Southern Sun employees this is a unique opportunity to put our knowledge to work to improve the plight of the hungry. I am excited and confident that this project will reap fantastic results,” says Graham Wood, Managing Director of Southern Sun Hotels.

Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE