International chefs arrive in South Africa to support needy children

250 international chefs from 44 countries touched down in South Africa last weekend to embark on an unforgettable 10-day culinary journey as part of the Bidvest World Chefs Tour Against Hunger.

The plight of starving children in South Africa has motivated these chefs, along with over 700 local chefs, to give up their time and share their expertise during a massive 10-day fund raising 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 of 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 nominated charities in Nelspruit and East London.

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.

“In the context of the worldwide recession and credit crunch, many charities and good causes across the country aren’t able to continue their good work because there simply isn’t enough money to go around. The result is that the sustainability of charities has been seriously compromised,” says Gallagher. “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 years.

With R5 million we can feed 8 500 children per month. This translates into 500 000 children over 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.

Phindile Hlalele from one of the beneficiaries, ACFS says: “The tour will address one of the biggest challenges faced by South Africans everyday, 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, and in a surprise move at this morning’s official press conference raised this to R5 million. The other primary sponsor, Southern Sun, is providing all the accommodation for the 200+ 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, MD of Southern Sun Hotels.

Brian Joffe, Chief Executive of the Bidvest group of companies, agrees saying hunger in South Africa is a challenge crying out for urgent action. “The problem is huge, but even the smallest contribution makes a difference if enough of us work together. That’s what Bidvest and the 2011 World Chef’s Tour Against Hunger participants are doing – working together.

We won’t solve the problem of hunger on our own, but by bringing more and more like-minded people together we can make a start.”

Key events during the tour will include food festivals at various Southern Sun hotels in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, East London and Nelspruit where the public will be able to sample speciality dishes prepared by the chefs; demonstration kitchens at various shopping centres; gala fundraising dinners, primarily for corporates, at which speciality items will be available on auction.

“These events are going to be really exciting and a great way for the public to support the Tour while enjoying some great cuisine and learning a trick or two to take home to their own kitchens,” says Gallagher. To find out more, visit www.worldchefstour.com for full details.

The public can also support the tour’s additional fundraising efforts by purchasing a commemorative chef’s hat for only R10 or by buying framed or unframed prints of the official 2011 Tour painting by well-known artist Frans Groenewald. South African pop singer PJ Powers, has re-recorded the song written for the 2003 Tour, Sing Children Sing, including a video, to support the Tour. The music will be available as a cell phone download for R10 to boost the fundraising drive. One only needs to sms the word “child” to 31755.

“We are expecting the Bidvest World Chefs Tour Against Hunger to be the biggest fundraising event yet undertaken within the global chefs’ fraternity. We call on the public to get involved, enjoy all the nuggets of fun the Tour offers and to dig deep to support our efforts to feed the children of South Africa. We know we can make a difference. You can too,” concludes Gallagher.