OZ Harvest

This week I had the honour of taking part in the OzHarvest CEO CookOff which brings together CEOs, Managing Directors, Senior Business Leaders, top chefs and leading companies to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable people across Australia.

I have been a proud ambassador and supporter of OzHarvest for a number of years and was pleased to have the opportunity to take part on my fourth CEO CookOff, in this its fifth year.

In the lead up to the event participants raise funds in support of OzHarvest. It’s a bit of healthy competition amongst some of the country’s top leaders in who is able to raise the most money.

The funds raised go to support OzHarvest’s work feeding Australia’s homeless and disadvantaged via food rescue programs, and also responding to the critical food wastage issues that are facing our society.

Above: Nicholas Bartels, Bob Black, Giovanni Pilu, Richard Collins and Joanna Collins (Photo credit: Cole Bennets / Getty Images for OzHarvest)

Held at The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve, business leaders are split into teams on the night and paired with celebrity chefs to cook and prepare delicious three-course meals to feed 1,300 homeless and disadvantaged people.

This year my husband Richard Collins Managing Director of JARVIS joined me at the CookOff, he is also an avid supporter of OzHarvest. Richard has previously donated a refrigerated food van to help with food collection for distribution in Adelaide.

Richard and I had the opportunity to cook with Celebrity Chef Giovanni from PILU Restaurant. The Sydney Street Choir performed for us and Bangarra Dance Theatre also gave a stunning performance.

Above: Joanna & Richard Collins (Photo credit: Nikki To Photography)

With the generosity from my dear friends and silent auction items purchased on the night, I was able to raise the amount of $39,490.00 for OzHarvest.

Just $1.00 feeds two people in need so I am thrilled with our efforts and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many across Australia.

The funds raised from this year’s CEO Cook Off will go towards:

• Delivering 15 million meals to those in need from food that would otherwise go to waste
• Transforming the lives of more than 50 disadvantaged youth who join the NOURISH programme by graduating with a Cert III in Hospitality – and help them find employment and support them on their journey
• Rolling out more than 500 NEST programmes this year delivering life skills and nutrition education to thousands of vulnerable people across Australia

I would strongly encourage CEO’s and Business Leaders to consider taking part in the CEO CookOff.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and supported me in The OzHarvest CEO CookOff 2016. Without your help and support I would not have been able to raise such an amazing amount for vulnerable people in need. You have made a difference in the lives of many who are less fortunate than you and I.

Thank you x
Joanna Collins
Ambassador of OzHarvest

Above: Giovanni Pilu & Richard Collins

Above: Joanna Collins & Neil Perry

Above: Joanna & Richard Collins with Giovanni – Chef of Pilu and the other CEO’s

Above: Ronni Kahn – CEO & founder of OzHarvest with Joanna & Richard Collins (Photo credit: Sireshan)