The ChefAid movement is spreading, with a new organisation springing up in Killygordon this week.
Following on from the huge success of the initial Donegal Town operation, ChefAid Killygordon was born following a hastily arranged meeting on Monday night. And, they hope to deliver their first meal within the next week.
ChefAid Killygordon is a non-profit group, with the aim of providing a free hot meal and a daily connection for older people and the vulnerable in the community during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
Based in the Yes Chef Catering kitchen at Oaktree Business Park (CAKE Centre) in Killygordon, they are a core group of chefs and concerned local individuals, and organisations such as Red Hughs GAA and the Three Rivers Badminton Club.
Speaking yesterday, the co-owner of Yes Chef, Mr Andy Doherty, said they merely wanted to give back to the community and thank them for all the custom given to them.
“When the current crisis hit, a lot of (YesChef) orders were cancelled and the work dried up,” he explained.
“We set up this business from scratch five years ago and would not be here today if it were not for the support of the local community. All we are doing is giving something back.
“I’ve lived here all my life and think this is the least we could do, particularly for the older members of the community and those living alone.”
Initially, ChefAid intends to cover Donaghmore Parish, which includes the villages of Crossroads and Killygordon as well as outlying areas including Meenreagh, The Glen, Liscooley, Gleneely and Meenlougher, to name but a few.
Seed (startup) funding totalling almost €2,000 has been pledged to date. This includes €500 from the original ChefAid Donegal town team as well as Crossroads and Killygordon Enterprise (CAKE) and the local Wednesday Club for Older People.
However, they aim to raise enough funds to sustain the project through the current crisis in order to pay for materials/ingredients etc.
The new ChefAid Killygordon logo, designed by Alan Reid Design.
As a result a ‘ChefAid Killygordon’ GoFundMe page has been set up, raising almost €1,500 by lunchtime yesterday. To donate, log on to www.gofundme.com/f/chefaid-killygordon
The group is also appealing to closed restaurants/hotels, and other food-related businesses, to donate any unwanted produce.
This is an entirely voluntary effort and all monies raised will go towards providing this service to the local community.
The day-to-day activities will be co-ordinated through a dedicated mobile telephone number as well as the use of Eircodes.
ChefAid Killygordon would like to take the opportunity to ask anyone who feels that they, or their loved ones, qualify for the support they are offering, to contact them on 087 3992666 or via Facebook and talk with one of their volunteers.
It should be noted that the mobile number will not be active until the weekend.
The group can also be contacted by calling the CAKE office on 07491 49557, between 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
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