There are some big issues in this world. I was recently in Vancouver, Canada and I was stunned to see how many homeless people were living on the streets. Of course, this is a global problem and one of many global problems. I’ve witnessed extreme poverty in countries around world and I’ve seen people living in terrible conditions. However I just didn’t expect to see what I saw in Vancouver.
Luckily there’s usually a silver lining to all situations, sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper to find it. When I was in Vancouver I discovered some programs that are available to help feed those in need. I found the mealshare program that helps feed youth by allowing restaurants to mark a few items on their menu as mealshare items. A meal is then provided to a youth in need when customers purchase the select items from the menu. There’s also a token program that allows you to buy tokens and distribute them to those in need. They can then be redeemed for a sandwich or Save on Meats (Guy Fieri ate there) can distribute them for you. We bought 5 tokens and left them with Save on Meats to distribute on our behalf.
Homelessness, poverty and mental health are some of the many issues that I’m really passionate about. I’m familiar with a few organisations in Canberra like OzHarvest who do incredible work to rescue food. They then distribute it to charities in the ACT. In 2016 I ran a food drive for OzHarvest Canberra and I’m often donating time or a little money to various charities. I was able to collect 20 bags of groceries and some food gift vouchers for OzHarvest Canberra. This was possible because of the generosity of Canberrans so thank you to everyone who contributed.
I’ve recently found a few hospitality businesses in Canberra who are doing great things for those in need. I wanted to share them with you because running a business is hard work, especially in the hospitality world. Io I think it’s pretty amazing that these businesses are doing their part to give back to those in need.
Selli’s – Pay It Forward
Selli’s dishes up a range of breakfast options, sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs and indulgent sides. Think fried pickles (I love friend pickles!) and chilli cheese fries. You can find them at Shop 5 88-95 Bunda St, Canberra City. Selli’s has introduced a Pay It Forward program so you can stop in and pay it forward by purchasing a coffee for $3 and/or a sandwich for $7. These prices only just cover the cost of the items for Selli’s. They then give the coffees and sandwiches purchased to those in need. I’ve seen businesses doing similar things in Melbourne and I love this concept!
I often pay it forward in random ways. The world really would be a better place if we all did something similar more often. Giving a little time or money can go a long way and it can really make a big difference to help those who need it. Canberrans have already purchased 379 coffees and 145 sandwiches through the Pay It Forward program at Selli’s. A hot cup of coffee can go a long way, especially in Canberra during winter.
Parma For A Farmer
You can purchase a chicken parmigiana from select venues in Canberra until 31st August and $1 from each parma will go to drought-affected Aussie farmers. Some of the Canberra venues that are taking part in the Parma For A Farmer initiative are:
- Shorty’s Bar
- Edgar’s Inn
- Public Bar
- Hale and Mary
- The Dock
- Agostinis
- The George Harcourt Inn
- East Lake Football Club
- Casey Jones Pub
- Bourbon Street Kitchen
- Raiders Weston
- The Pedlar
- The Duxton at O’Connor
- Capital Pancakes
- Walt and Burley
Hopscotch is donating $5 from every chicken parmigiana sold to farmer’s in need and some of the businesses above are also donating more.
The G Spot (located in the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club car park) held their Aussie Farmers Snag Fest on the weekend and raised a HUGE $4644.60. Sausages and bread were donated from lots of local businesses and every cent made goes directly to Aussie farmers. Their goal is $5000 and they have a few tricks up their sleeve to reach their goal. Check out their Facebook page to find out how you can help them get over the line. I stopped in and bought a sausage to support them and Andrew (one of the owners) told me he’s happy to pass the signage onto other businesses if they want to run a similar sausage sizzle. You can contact The G Spot team on 0402 651 942.
Do you know about a hospitality business that’s doing great things to help others? Please leave a comment and tell us about them.
Feature photo of the Fricken Chicken Burger at Selli’s via @sellicatessen on Instagram.
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.