Hunger tour raises R8 million
The Bidvest World Chefs Tour Against Hunger, which began on 20 August 2011 and ended in a spectacular gala dinner in Johannesburg on Tuesday 30, saw chefs from as far afield as Thailand, the US, Myanmar, South Tyrol, Russia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia coming to South Africa to help fight the ravages of hunger.
Chefs from South Tryrol with one of the kids from the African Children's Feeding Scheme.
As the 250 chefs depart South Africa for their homes in 44 countries around the globe, they leave behind a lasting legacy that will ensure that 450 children receive a meal every day for the next five years. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, corporate South Africa and the public, R8 million was raised over the 10 days, which will go directly into providing 821 250 meals to needy children over a five year period.
Significant donations
Some of the more significant donations included both the original donation of R3.6 million by Bidvest and a further R1.5 million pledged by Brian Joffe at the opening press conference; R300 000 donated by the visiting chefs themselves, including R100 000 from the Australian team and 13 cubic metres of toys and children's clothing from the Belgians; a surprise R50 000 donation from ACSA; and R600 000 raised through the auction at the Johannesburg gala dinner.
In addition to the support of Bidvest and Southern Sun, the tour was made possible by many South African companies who opened their hearts and their pockets, providing every possible resource to ensure that no costs were incurred that would reduce the total amount that could be donated to the beneficiaries.
Public support can continue
PJ Powers performing "Sing Children Sing" with kids from the African Children's Feeding Scheme at the World Chefs Tour Against Hunger press conference.
Proceeds raised during the Tour will be donated to the Akani Diepsloot Foundation, African Children's Feeding Scheme and Meals on Wheels Community Services, as well as various other nominated regional charities, including Hands At Work in Mbombela, Ubuntu Rescue a Child in East London, Just Us 4 Children in Durban and Peninsula Feeding Scheme in Cape Town.
Although the chefs have left, the Tour's fundraising initiatives will continue and companies can still make pledges to the fund through the website. Members of the public who want to contribute to the Tour can do so by downloading Sing Children Sing, the song recorded by PJ Powers for the first Tour in 1993 and re-recorded for this year's Tour. It costs just R10 - which feeds one child for one day and can be downloaded to your cellphone - SMS 'child' to 31755.
For more information, go to www.worldchefstour.co.za.
