Okanagan residents will have an opportunity to explore some great cuisine prepared by junior chefs of Okanagan College and to support African children orphaned by AIDS on Saturday, Nov. 19, 5 to 10 p.m.
Kelowna Grandmothers for Africa and the Okanagan Chefs Association will host the 2nd annual evening of Discover Africa’s Culture and Cuisine in the Atrium of the Centre for Learning at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus.
“This is a tremendous chance to taste the unique African inspired dishes prepared by the Culinary Arts students under the mentorship of distinguished chefs of the chef’s association,” explained Doug Fraser, of Kelowna Grandmothers for Africa.
The volunteer, non-profit organization of grandmothers and “grandothers” supports African grandmothers, in communities affected by the AIDS pandemic, as they care for the vulnerable children in their care. The group’s goal is to increase awareness and raise funds to help nurture and raise a healthy self-sufficient next generation.
The Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign provide targeted and accountable support for African grandmothers and orphans through healthcare, education initiatives and self-sufficiency programs such as microcredit grants and human rights support.
Last year this event showcasing African food and culture was a huge success, says Fraser.
“The Junior Chefs creations delighted our guests. People have been asking when the tickets are available for this year’s event.”
They’re $75, available now in limited numbers, and can be purchased by visiting bit.ly/GFAtickets.
“This (Discover Africa’s Culture and Cuisine) gives our students a real opportunity to explore a different food culture and stretch their culinary imaginations,” said Okanagan College culinary instructor Reinhard Foerderer. “It also gives them the satisfaction of putting their talents to work for a worthy community initiative.”
Part of the proceeds for the evening go to the Okanagan Chefs Association to provide further educational opportunities for the community’s junior chefs.
Fraser notes that a host of area businesses and organizations have thrown their support behind the event, including the Jane Hoffman Group of Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, Alison Oxtoby of Entrust Law, Baptist Housing, Brenda Fischer of Edward Jones, Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Gorman Bros., Kelowna Mercedes-Benz, Vineyard Developments and Voyager RV.
Those in attendance on Nov. 19 will be entertained by the Nankama African Drum and Dance Group and will be able to participate in silent and live auctions.
Kelowna Grandmothers for Africa supports the Stephen Lewis Foundation and since the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign began in June 2006, grandmother groups across Canada have grown to 250 involving 10,000 Grandmothers and more than $25 million has been raised.
As many as 15 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. Grandmothers bury their own adult children and step in to care for the orphaned children and other children who have no other resource.
If you would like to help, donations can be made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
