The hospitality industry has once again rallied to support those in need this Christmas, with more than 60 restaurants across New Zealand signing on to participate in the 2024 annual DineAid Christmas campaign which raises money for City Missions in the lead-up to Christmas.
Now in its twelfth year, and running through to December 31, DineAid works to connect those who can enjoy a meal out, with those who are experiencing food insecurity.
Participating restaurants give diners the opportunity to donate by either adding $2 to their bill or by adding $2 to a popular dish, with all funds going to the City Mission closest to their city or region.
Thanks to sponsorship, this year from Precinct Properties, one hundred percent of the money donated by diners via DineAid goes to City Mission food banks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch who in turn distribute food to more than 135 locations throughout Aotearoa.
Top Ten
Last year’s Christmas campaign raised $60,000, more than $12,000 up from 2022, with the top 10 fundraisers based in Auckland, Wellington and Oamaru as follows. Ombra; (Wellington) $4804.00; Hello Beasty (Auckland) $4129.00; Cucina (Oamaru); $4000.00; Duo (Auckland) $3682.00; Riverstone Kitchen, (Oamaru) $3297.00; Oyster Inn (Waiheke Island) $3260.00; Kisa (Wellington) $2922.00; Odettes (Auckland) $2286.00; Kingi (Auckland) $2392.00 and Gemmayze Street (Auckland) $1790.
Since its inception in 2012, the DineAid New Zealand Charitable Trust has raised $1,159,120.46 and hopes to be able to raise another $80,000 by the end of December.
DineAid founder Mark Gregory says he is heartened by so many restaurants across the country (old and new) who have chosen to get involved and help with grace and compassion and also to Precinct Properties for their donation to cover administration and printing costs.
“Thank you to over a million Kiwi’s for your support and for your belief in doing good. We simply couldn’t do what we do without our amazing restaurants and most importantly their customers and teams.
“Each year, with the help of dozens of leading restaurants, we’re able to continue reaching the local communities we serve. This year is no different, due to the cost of living crisis, there is a higher demand on food banks than ever. With every single donation during the annual DineAid, we’ll be helping struggling people and families across New Zealand.
Gratitude For Giving
Helen Robinson, Auckland City Missioner – Manutaki is grateful to have the support of DineAid again this year.
“At a time when the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai food relief service has seen government funding cuts amidst a sustained demand, I am ever grateful for the support of DineAid restaurants and customers.
Each DineAid donation is so much more than a couple of dollars on the bill, collectively every dollar enables the Misson to provide boxes of food to people when they are in greatest need. In turn that helps families come together to enjoy Christmas, while have support when children return to school for a new year of learning, particularly with the current high cost of living.
“My thanks goes to every person and restaurant who participates in DineAid this year – your donation makes an important difference”.
The DineAid annual Christmas Campaign runs until December 31, 2024. For a full list of this year’s participating venues please visit dineaid.org.nz.
Established in 2012 by Mark Gregory, to date DineAid has raised more than one million dollars, ($1,159,120.46 to be exact), with the 2023 the DineAid Christmas Campaign raising $60,000 thanks to the generosity of Kiwi diners.
The DineAid New Zealand Charitable Trust exists to facilitate food people (the hospitality industry) to feed people that need food (via City Mission food banks), via the DineAid annual Christmas campaign. One hundred percent of the money raised by this initiative goes to food banks in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and the South Island regions.
From 1 November to 31 December DineAid raises money through participating restaurants across Aotearoa. Customers can make a voluntary donation of $2 per table which is added to the restaurant bill, or restaurants can choose their best-selling dishes to add $2, with $2 from every dish purchased going to DineAid.
For a full list of this year’s participating venues please visit http://www.dineaid.org.nz/
