Food from Peddlethorp Architects' cancelled event to feed those in need

Peddlethorp Architects is calling on businesses that cancelled events due to COVID-19 to donate event catering or funding to those in need, if circumstances allow.

As New Zealand went into lockdown in March, Peddlethorp was forced to cancel a major black-tie event for hundreds of attendees at the Auckland Museum.

The team faced the question of what to do with the catering credit equivalent to approximately 2,400 meals.

Peddlethorp Director, Richard Goldie says they had seen many of their clients, friends and family members lose jobs and business. They knew that with the current uncertainty, many people would be struggling to feed their families.

Goldie advised "we could have saved the catering credit for next year, but we wanted to support struggling Kiwis.

"We want to give people a treat - something quality and delicious - to help them get through."

Peddlethorp are donating more than 2,400 sumptuous meals to the following charities: Te Puea Memorial Marae - solving homelessness; VisionWest Pataka Kai Foodbank - solving food insecurity; The Women's Refuge and Shine Refuges - providing refuge for women escaping domestic violence; and Ronald MacDonald House - supporting families whose children are in hospital.

Meals will include a range of meat, vegetable and fish dishes including smoked kahawai fish pie with fresh parsley bechamel sauce, kumara puree and New Zealand cheddar; a free range Thai green chicken curry with jasmine rice; and a dessert of autumn fruit crumble with oats, cinnamon, honey.

Goldie says he hopes the food donation inspires others who cancelled events or find themselves with a similar opportunity to get creative with whatever they have and to think about finding a way to donate, when people are in need.

Goldie adds "our message is, don't wait, don't save your cash for something next year. People need help now - including the caterers or any small business that is event-based. Support other kiwis now, because many people are struggling and it's a great thing for your team to do."

Hurimoana Dennis, Chairperson of Te Puea Memorial Marae says the meals will be a great surprise for people who come to them as a last resort, and who often struggle to have even basic food supplies noting "food is an ongoing need and request. Good quality nutritious food is what is often missing for our families, so this menu will be appreciated and maybe even a treat. Most whanau are on stuck or limited budgets, so basics are the only thing they can afford.

“The marae has supported 492 people since it opened its doors in 2016 and initiated its housing programme. The marae only accepts families/whanau, not individuals or rough sleepers.

"COVID-19 has impacted our whanau by pushing people further "down the ladder" in terms of employment, opportunities, and waiting lists times. The ripple effect will keep happening for some time. We're grateful to Peddlethorp and need more support like this, opportunities for employment, relationships and partnerships with those who share a common goal.”

Goldie added, "we'd like to say a big thank you to Hayley from Uno Loco, for her great help in pulling this together, and our hard working and creative caterers Urban Gourmet."

Event organisers Uno Loco worked for many months with the team at Peddlethorp to produce the event.

Uno Loco Senior Event Producer, Haley Tukere says "despite the cancellation, it has been great to be able to help Peddlethorp reallocate the catering budget to deliver delicious meals to those in need.

"It's a tough time for many people right now and to be able to be a part of this initiative with Peddlethorp has been our absolute pleasure."

Urban Gourmet General Manager, Lizzi Pearson adds "we are proud to partner with Peddlethorp for such a great initiative that will help those in need. With so many people facing difficult times, Peddlethorp's meal initiative is a fantastic way to support the incredible work that these charities do in our community."

Image: Te Puea Memorial Marae.