Amy McKenzie

Help Me Make a Difference

On 16th June I’ll be joining senior business leaders and top chefs at Auckland's St Matthew in the City for The Cook Off - to cook a delicious three-course meal for 150 Auckland City Mission guests.

My goal is to raise at least $10,000 to make an impact on the lives of those that rely on the Auckland City Mission - for food, support and a sense of community.

Living and working in Auckland City, we encounter homelessness and hardship daily. I walk past at least three rough sleepers almost every morning on my way to the Tepid Baths, and the number has grown significantly over the past few months in that small area alone.

One in particular Vic, has been a regular fixture outside the Teps for years. He was a school-teacher, who through a few bad decisions and a stint in jail, ended up unable to get a job, and subsequently ended up on the streets. He is always friendly and polite, and occasionally will take up an offer of a hot drink or meal. But not every homeless person will have a community looking out for them.

The more I raise - the more of these people we can help.

EVERY SINGLE WEEK, over 1,600 warm and nutritious meals are served in Haeata, the Mission’s community dining room, to people who are living on the streets or in substandard accommodation without any ability to cook.

As winter approaches, many people living on the streets will bear the brunt of the cold, wet and miserable weather, but Haeata will continue to be a safe, dry space offering meals and connecting people to essential Missions support.

We are aiming to raise enough funds to provide 15,625 meals this winter. By donating $320 you could provide 20 warm and nutritious meals in Haeata.

By donating $160 you could provide 10 warm and nutritious meals in Haeata.

Please support me in The Cook Off by making a donation.