Industry response to Unichef soars
More than 130 independent restaurants, pubs, restaurant groups and even contract caterers have signed up to UNICHEF, the restaurant fundraising initiative, which was launched in Caterer just two weeks ago.
All those involved have agreed to donate a percentage of their takings on 7 February to the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami. As Caterer went to press, it was estimated that 280,000 lives had been claimed by the giant wave, with 220,000 alone dying in Indonesia.
The appeal was given a significant boost this week when the Restaurant Group, which includes brands Garfunkel's, Chiquito and Caff‚ Uno, agreed to take part. Andrew Page, the group's managing director, has earmarked about 30 of its London city-centre restaurants to commit 25% of their takings on 7 February.
Page said he was delighted the group was supporting UNICHEF, and expected its contribution to amount to a meaningful "five-figure sum".
"There's a strong desire within the group to help - it's a great initiative. I hope a few more restaurants come on board and support it. There's plenty of time yet," he said.
The fundraising initiative has also spread to another sector - contract catering. Mike Elsom, catering operations manager at Service Direct, the commercial catering division of Durham County Council, has also agreed to take part.
"I read about UNICHEF on Caterer's website and thought it was a great idea. We're planning a curry day for lunch on 7 February, which will cost £4 a head, and we'll donate 25% of this to UNICHEF."
Fiona Hesseldon, deputy executive director of fundraising at UNICEF, said the charity was thrilled with the overwhelming response from the restaurant industry, which had rallied quickly to the cause.
"As well as addressing the immediate needs of children and their families affected by the tsunami, the money raised will make an enormous difference to our work helping them recover and rebuild in the years to come," she said.
Phil Howard, chef-proprietor of two-Michelin-starred the Square in Mayfair, London, who devised the UNICHEF appeal, said there had been a phenomenal response so far, but it was now imperative that the restaurants raised as much money as possible.
"Now we have to turn our attention to getting all those restaurant seats full. There will be publicity in the national press, but we must urge all participating restaurants to drum up interest in their local area and stick their UNICHEF participation poster in their window," he said.
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 27 January 2005
