December 12, 2014

A world of deliciousness: international lunch fundraiser for Cure Kids

By

Theta

Last month we celebrated the many cultures that make up the Theta family in the best possible way – through food. Our Auckland office is a multicultural place - at last count we had hired the best and brightest from 31 different nations. We got a (literal) taste of those countries and cultures last week, through 24 different national dishes, prepared and shared as a fundraiser for Cure Kids.

Cure Kids is a fantastic charity, driven to find cures for the life-threatening illnesses that affect many of our children. The organization is focused on raising funds so that vital medical research can continue till researchers find the cures our kids need.

Theta first got involved with Cure Kids through the Great Adventure Race in 2012. We have competed in the race every year since, and were delighted to win the IT Cup and Spirit of the Race Award last year. We’re now gearing up for our 2015 campaign.

That means training, of course – you can follow along via our blog. But it also means fundraising. Each year we up the ante for fundraising, and so far we have raised more than $41,000 for Cure Kids.

Recent activities include a visit from an Olympian and west coast walking. Christmas mince pies are being baked and Christmas hampers are being assembled for a raffle. Nag donated his Giraffe Award to the Cure Kids efforts, and plans are afoot for another series of auctions.

Last Thursday’s international lunch was part of this effort. From kangaroo stew to bacalau com natas, lumpiang sariwa, kaesekuchen and shortbread, it was definitely possible to eat your way around the world in one lunch hour.

New Zealand was represented by lolly cake, pineapple lumps, cheese rolls, cheerios and pav, while South Africa’s strong representation included biltong, bobotie, koeksisters, vetkoek and mince, and Peppermint Crisp tart.

I spoke to lots of people about their favourite dishes. Picks included the sago & coconut, cheese rolls (and for those keen to recreate them at home Christine has kindly shared the recipe), apple strudel, or my favourite, Mani’s coconut rice and peanut chutney. No consensus emerged, except that it was delicious, and that we should do it again.

Thanks to all the cooks for their tasty contributions.