Kaila Klassen is using her popularity from being a MasterChef Canada contestant to help locals in need.
Klassen volunteered her time at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission last Saturday, preparing and serving lunch to guests.
She plans to be back, doing the same thing, this Saturday.
“I think it’s really important when you have a platform to speak on, to make it memorable and make it important,” said Klassen.
“I contacted the Gospel Mission and said, ‘Would you guys mind if I came down and cooked for your guests?’
“There was such an overwhelming amount of support…it was an amazing feeling to help out.”
The Re/Max real estate agent earned a spot among the top 16 home cooks during the second episode of MasterChef Canada’s inaugural season, which aired Monday, Jan. 27.
The contestants were challenged to cook any dish in one hour, using a chicken, pantry ingredients and only one pan.
Klassen cooked chicken madras with cucumber raita and roti.
“The dish was solely inspired by my boyfriend’s mother. Before I went on the show, she taught me everything she knows about Indian cooking.”
The MasterChef Canada judges called Klassen up individually after announcing her dish was one of several that they were on the fence about.
“I knew my dish was good, but the worst part about it was waiting…I had no idea if I was going to make it into the MasterChef kitchen or not. Thankfully I did.”
The West Kelowna home cook will now go up against her 15 opponents in various competitions—such as mystery box challenges—as more contestants get eliminated every week.
Those hoping to follow Klassen’s MasterChef Canada journey can tune in Sunday after the Super Bowl on CTV.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
