Cook … Eat … Give
Cook … eat … give was a great success with CSR (corporate social responsibility) at its core. Giving back is always good for the soul, no more so with this recent event.
The goal of ”cook eat give” was to take our signs professionals and put them into a different situation for the greater good.
We had 3 reasons to celebrate and the team’s fantastic “Masterchef” Mystery Box Cooking challenge seemed a fitting way to mark the occasion.
What were the three reasons?
- Firstly, to celebrate the end of FY21 – and what a Covid rollercoaster it has been for everyone;
- Secondly, our 20th anniversary as business owners of Signs & Lines – crikey, where did that time go?!;
- And thirdly, as a means for us to give something back to others less fortunate in line with our CSR (corporate social responsibility).
With the help from the team at Taste Buds Cooking Studio, we gathered as four teams in their vibey venue in Highgate close to the city. What to expect? For many of us the prospect of cooking is somewhat scary (this includes yours truly). However, luckily our team does have a few budding chefs and chefess’s around, so all was not lost.
Our Mission: to cook as many meals as possible to feed us, and the Tranby Homeless Shelter.
The Teams:
- Black Hats – ably lead by lead installer and a man renowned for his prowess in the kitchen, Phil
- Red Hats – with acclaimed ‘super-chef’ Adrian in the box seat as chief chef
- Black & White check Hats – with Reverend Roy very much at the helm
- White Hats – featuring ”new boy” and unknown quantity, Richard, as team leader
The Box of Goodies – Let the Competition Begin!
Each team had a box of goodies. Mostly ‘passed it’s sell by’ fruit and veggies. Two teams had some meat.
In the end, one team made puds and sweets only. Another made vegetarian. Of course, catering to all food types, preference and allergies is important.
Food supplies were donated.
‘What to make with 2 dozen lemons and limes” wailed the Red Hats…
“How can we create something from this?” was heard down the back….
“Let’s go team!” was the war cry from the White Hats!
What a supreme test of our teamwork and creativity. Yes, we normally make signage but boy, did we put all those skills and more to the test in our culinary efforts.
Tasting our Works of Art
“Time!!” Richard, the head supervisor chef cried. We’d all worked up a big appetite after an intense 2 hours cooking. The spread of creations was impressive. Everything from soups, curries, cauliflower rice, meatballs, quiches, vegetables, hotpots, chicken parmi, fruit crumble, cake and custard. Most of the ingredients had disappeared – with a few loose, unwanted veggies getting swapped into others boxes.
Once we had sampled the dishes and had a meal ourselves, we boxed up the remaining food into over 100 large plastic containers with meal portions ready for onward distribution to Tranby Homeless Centre. The centre has up to 180 homeless drop by for food and showers every day.
The Winners & Grinners
Well done to the Black Hats – Phil, Sarah, Louis and Sarah – who impressed the judges the most and took 1st place. The White Hats almost had it but were thwarted on the Spice Challenge.
Cook eat give – signs of CSR was a tremendous success. It felt good, tasted good and did good.
Thanks wonderful team. You did good!!
