It’s been another challenging 12 months for the hospitality industry, but more than 50 of the top restaurants throughout the motu have signed on to participate in this year’s annual DineAid Christmas campaign to raise money for the City Missions in the lead-up to Christmas.
Starting November 1st and running through to December 31st, participating restaurants will give diners the opportunity to donate by either adding $2 to their bill or by creating a DineAid special on the menu, with $2 from every dish purchased going to the City Mission closest to their city or region. One hundred percent of the money raised by DineAid goes to City Mission food banks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Last year’s Christmas campaign raised $47,629. The charitable trust also raised more than $50,000 for those severely affected by the February floods, which pushed it past the magic million-dollar milestone. Since its inception in 2012, the DineAid New Zealand Charitable Trust has raised $1,039,120.46 and hopes to be able to raise another $60,000 by the end of December.
This year 53 venues have signed on, including 2022’s top 10 fundraisers. Those top fundraisers by region in 2022 were Auckland: Cassia, Gemmayze Street, Lilian, Poni, The Oyster Inn; Wellington: Kisa, Logan Brown, Ombra; and South Island: Cucina and Riverstone Kitchen, both in Oamaru.
DineAid founder Mark Gregory said he’s acutely aware this year's significant cost of living increases have made it one of the toughest for many, including the most vulnerable members of communities throughout the country.
“As we look toward Christmas, it's the perfect time of year to add a voluntary $2 to the table bill when dining out this festive season. For those who can, we appreciate your kindness and thank you for your support with the annual DineAid Christmas campaign. Amazingly, the generosity of Kiwis has helped DineAid raise more than $1 million in gold coins to date and that makes a real difference to the foodbanks throughout New Zealand, which urgently need funds to help provide their local communities with food boxes.”
As Christmas approaches, Helen Robinson, Auckland City Missioner – Manutaki is grateful to have the support of DineAid again this year.
“We are constantly humbled by the generosity of the hospitality industry and its diners. Knowing that every year DineAid continues to support people in greatest need is a show of solidarity that is deeply appreciated.”
Helen says that the Mission will - as always - do their very best to support families struggling at Christmas but acknowledges the cost of living crisis is impacting many people who would ordinarily be able to donate, meaning DineAid is even more important this year.
“DineAid makes it easy for people to stand with those in need and show their support by making a small addition to their bill when dining out. In a way, every donation sets another place at the table for a family in need this Christmas. My thanks goes to every person who can contribute in this way and to all of the DineAid restaurateurs who make it possible.“
The DineAid annual Christmas Campaign runs from November 1st to December 31st, 2023. For a full list of this year’s participating venues, please visit dineaid.org.nz.
