Celebrity chefs champion Christchurch cause

Celebrity chefs champion Christchurch cause

An international fundraising initiative to help the people of Christchurch rebuild their city following the devastating Canterbury Earthquakes has been launched in New Zealand, just in time for Mothers' Day.

The Paris Cookbook Fair Chefs Charity Cookbook features an impressive line up of international celebrity chefs including Chef Wan, Chef Ramzi, Bob Blumer, Rose Elliot, and Chakall. After being launched in Paris in March it is now available for purchase in New Zealand.

Initiated by Orphans Aid International's CEO and founder, Sue van Schreven, the cookbook features more than 30 recipes by famous and award-winning chefs, many of whom have their own television shows, and has already proven to be an international hit.

“I can see us doing a lot of re-prints. I'm hoping this is something we can get revenue from for a long time for Christchurch.”

“A company in Sweden bought 500 books and featured Swedish chef Bjorn Stahlberg signed them,” Mrs van Schreven said.

Mrs van Schreven, who started the project in France during the 2011 Paris Cookbook Fair said she was delighted by the response of the chefs and authors she had approached to help with the project.

“The February 22 earthquake hit just as I was leaving New Zealand. I was invited to showcase our first cookbook at the Paris Cookbook Fair, while on my way to visit our orphanage workers in Europe.''

“I told them all about New Zealand and they freely gave their recipes. They were all very receptive.”

Published in Germany by Gourmand International and award-winning publisher Kornmayer, the 120-page book includes photographs of the 2011 Paris Cookbook Fair and has a French flavour with an international twist.
Kiwi chefs Julie Biuso and Robert Oliver feature alongside an international line up including chefs from the UK, USA, Germany, Greece, France, Malaysia and Turkey.

Net proceeds of all book sales will go towards Orphans Aid International's Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund which has already raised $20,000 in donations.

“We want to be there for Christchurch for the long haul. We're exploring options for how best to use the funds and are looking to do something permanent.”

Copies of the $30 RRP Paris Cookbook Fair Chefs Charity Cookbook are available for purchase online at www.orphansaidinternational.org or by contacting the Orphans Aid International office in Queenstown +64 (0)3 441 4109.

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