Sainsbury's provide some Winter Warmth

This event has really demonstrated that corporate support can be more than just about money. Our staff and clients had a lot of fun delivering the cook off, and we are looking forward to working on more events with the team from Sainsbury’s.

Louis BarndenChief Executive, Two Saints

Kathy Lewis, PR Ambassador for the regions Hedge End store and two of her colleagues, attended an open day at Two Saints homeless hostel Patrick House and were amazed at how many business people were there! Staff spoke about all of the food waste that Sainsbury's donate to Two Saints through their food donation program.  Through subsequent discussions they decided they should get a Sainsbury's chef and a Two Saints chef and have a cook off!

Kathy took the idea and made it happen, she asked one of Sainsbury's chef, Justin Guest, whether he would like to get involved and if he could he work with 2 members of staff (not catering staff).  The idea was a cook off between Sainsbury's and Two Saints and to present the dishes to a panel of judges to taste. The winning team would cook the winning dishes in a fund raising event and invite the sponsors of Two Saints to the event to raise the charities profile and to raise money. All parties thought the idea was brilliant and the date was set for 13 October 2010. The rules were: 1 Chef, 2 members of staff from Sainsbury's versus 1 Chef from Two Saints and 2 hostel residents.

Kathy invited some important people for the panel of judges, Antonia Isaacs, Justin’s boss! Caroline Wiggley who is the Hedge End Peoples website editor, Lois Biggs, Sainsbury's check outs manager, and Damian Fancy, Kathy's boss! Two Saints' fund raising manager, Peter Holding sourced the rest of the panel which included Two Saints Chief Executive Louise Barnden and HR Director Sharon Smith, a Local Asian and Ethnic Radio Station Manager along with the owners of Southampton’s Premier Indian Restaurant, Rasraj and Pat Smith (BITC area manager). 

The teams had full use of the kitchens at Patrick House.  Justin, Rob George and Kim Munday arrived with Kathy at Patrick House at about midday and the teams started cooking whilst Kathy prepared the tables.

Kathy quotes: "Everyone had a really good time they all worked together and it was really nice to see the residents of Two Saints getting involved."   It was decided that it would be the winning dish and not menu, so Sainsbury's won the Starter and the Saints won the other 2 dishes (only just!!)

It was decided that it would be the winning dish and not menu, so Sainsbury's won the Starter and the Saints won the other 2 dishes (only just!!) The evening event Two Saints Banquette will take place in the New Year. The winning dishes will be served and prepared by the teams, as a way of raising funds and profile of Two Saints. 

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