Dine with heart month

As the temperature drops my mind often turns to the homeless people in my area. There are quite a few of them. This is one of the humbling things about Melbourne’s inner suburbs, in the alleyways between million-dollar properties, live some of the most disadvantaged people. For those that notice them, it is a striking contrast and a reminder to be thankful for our good fortune. It is not unusual for me to meet a beggar (one who begs) as I go about my daily business. Sometimes I give the coins in my pocket, often I wonder if the money will go towards food or something else. It is not my judgement to make, I know, but I believe in nourished tummies as a path to a better life and that is what I hope my donation will be spent on.

This month there is a wonderful program in Melbourne to help feed our local disadvantaged people. May is Dine with Heart month, raising money for Sacred Heart Mission’s meal program, where 400 free, nourishing meals are served every day to those in need. The goal is to raise $75,000 to keep the Mission’s meal program running.

Some of the participating chefs from left to right: from left to right: Shane Zhao (Bay Leaf Catering), Adam Draper (Donovans), Tony Collis (The European Melbourne) Themi Milikouros (Phamish) Chris Watson ( Luxembourg Bar & Bistro) Sean Judd ( St Hotel) and Jesse Gerner (Bomba).

During May, participating restaurants will be encouraging customers to leave a $4 donation at the end of their meal, some will be creating a signature dish and donating proceeds from each order, others will be running charity events. There is also a gala event where Melbourne’s top chefs, led by The European’s Ian Curley, will prepare a three-course meal for 200 guests who will dine onstage at the Palais Theatre. How cool is that!   

So for the cost of a coffee at the end of your meal you can guarantee a nourished tummy. Skip dessert and you’ve fed four or five people. Or better still, eat dessert, jog to work in the morning for a week to compensate and donate your transport money instead (I simply cannot advocate skipping desert 😉 )

Sound good? It is so easy to participate. Next time you are heading out to dinner just look up one of these places:

Beachcomber Cafe

Bella Cosi

Big Mouth

Donovans

Dr Jekyll

Fitzrovia

L’Altro Mondo

Luxembourg

Mr Wolf

Grill 3182 @ Novotel

I Carusi II

Phamish

Radio Mexico

Sorsi e Morsi

St Hotel

Olive Garden

Miss Fitzy’s

Or if you can afford a super donation and the ultimate experience book your ticket to the Dine With Heart Dinner. 

So where are you going to Dine with Heart? Make sure to spread the word  too   #dinewithheart

Disclosure: This post was not funded in any way, it is just a project I believe in.