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Alliance Group 2023 Graduates from left to right Chloe Lennox, Abigail Stewart, William Hii, and Travis McKenzie serve meals for guests of Ronald McDonald House in Christchurch.
As part of their induction, Alliance Group’s four 2023 graduates partnered with an award-winning chef to cook a special evening meal for families staying at Christchurch’s Ronald McDonald House on Tuesday 31 January.
The independent charitable trust provides free accommodation and support to families who need to travel away from home for their child’s medical treatment.
Abigail Stewart, one of the four Alliance graduates preparing the meal, said that along with the privilege of cooking alongside acclaimed chef Darren Wright, who works in Alliance’s food service team, the evening was a great way to bring a smile to the faces of families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
“Our hope was the meal would give families a chance to take their minds off the difficult times they are facing.
When they took a bite of the slow-cooked Silere lamb oyster shoulder and we saw joy on their faces, it reinforced the importance of small acts of kindness and how these small gestures make a real difference to families experiencing tough times.”
Alliance developed its partnership with Ronald McDonald House in 2021.
The co-operative provides meat to and supports a number of fundraising events including Supper Clubs in Christchurch, Queenstown and Invercargill, corporate gifts at Christmas and participates in the Family Dinner Programme.
Alliance Group interim chief executive Willie Wiese says Ronald McDonald House holds a special place in the hearts of Alliance’s people and the broader community
“A number of our employees and shareholder-farmers have either used the services Ronald McDonald House provides, or know families who have.
We recognise the important role it plays, particularly for people in New Zealand’s more remote communities.
The trust’s amazing work also aligns with our values of care, compassion and commitment.”
Ronald McDonald House National Corporate Partnerships Manager Nadine Cooper said that it was wonderful having the Alliance graduates and Darren Wright to cook for the families.
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