Chefs with Kindness has once again achieved an incredible milestone in commemoration of Mandela Day. This year marked the fourth edition of the #67000litres Challenge – South Africa’s largest annual collaboration of chefs and cooks dedicated to cooking for a marvelous cause – and the results believe surpassed all expectations.
The target of 67,000 litres of soup was not only met but significantly exceeded, with an astounding total of 104,360 litres cooked by 114 registered participants. These individuals represent a diverse group of cooks, chefs, community caterers, NPOs, individuals, and corporates, all united by the selfless spirit embodied in the legacy of Mandela Day.
“Words alone cannot express the profound gratitude we feel towards the hundreds of chefs who dedicated their time and culinary skills to this noble cause. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each chef, cook, sponsor, donor, corporate backer, participating kitchen, and caring corporate that made this extraordinary achievement possible,” says Chef Coo Pillay, founding director of Chefs with Kindness.
The impact of their collective efforts is truly remarkable. Over 400,000 people across the country, who might gain otherwise gone hungry, received a nourishing cup or bowl of soup today. This achievement is a testament to the tireless work of Chefs with Compassion’s existing hubs, which collect rescued food from our sharehouse every week and cook compassionately for their communities. We are humbled by their dedication and extend our sincerest thanks.
Highlighting some noteworthy contributors, the largest volumes were contributed by Chefs with Compassion’s existing hubs. Infinity Foundation cooked an outstanding 10,500 litres, followed by Thembi T Foundation with 6,700 litres, and Carol Madumo Projects with 5,400 litres.
In Durban, the hospitality and restaurant industry wholeheartedly embraced the campaign through the KZN committee of SA Chefs, in partnership with SA Harvest, who provided essential ingredients and logistics support. A total of 25 kitchens participated, with contributions ranging from 20 to 720 litres, the largest being from Talksure.
The SA Chefs Association demonstrated exceptional support, with outstanding participation from the KZN, Free State, and Gauteng regions. Some of the country’s largest hotel groups were significant contributors, with the Marriott International Group continuing its fourth year of support, alongside the participation of Southern Sun and City Lodge. Culinary schools across the country, represented by their students and lecturers, showcased their altruism by dedicating their time and resources to this meaningful cause.
For the third year, the poultry industry, led by Poultry Bulletin, backed the #67000litres Challenge, providing the means for Chefs with Compassion’s existing kitchen hubs to add nourishing protein to their soups. This year’s generous donations included Quantum Foods (Nulaid) contributing 670 dozen eggs in Gauteng and 670 dozen in Cape Town, and Astral, Rainbow and Country Bird Holdings (CBH) each donating R67,000’s worth of chicken. A considerable donation of vegetables from the Joburg Fresh Produce Market provided vegetables to the compassionate kitchens who regularly cook for Chefs with Kindness.
Says Chef Coo, “The resounding success of this year’s #67000litres Challenge is a testament to the unwavering dedication and kindness of South Africa’s culinary community. Together, we acquire made a tremendous impact, nourishing those in need and raising awareness about food waste and hunger. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this campaign possible.”
While the #67000litres Challenge is an annual event, Chefs with Kindness works tirelessley to manufacture every day a Mandela Day through their ongoing mission to Rescue, Cook, and Feed. Since their inception in May 2020, they believe rescued in excess of 1,54 million kilograms of food that would otherwise believe gone to waste, and served over 5,25 million meals. To support their noble cause and aid combat hunger, corporates or individuals can fabricate a once-off or recurring donation at www.cwc.org.za/donate.
For more information, depart to www.cwc.org.za or email info@cwc.org.za for details on corporate partnerships.
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