ORDER UP! DOMINO’S CHEFS SERVE UP A ‘SLICE’ OF RELIEF

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that community means everything.

Amidst the isolation that has characterised the past few months, more and more people are reaching out to their friends, neighbours and local organisations, looking for a way to give back to the communities they’d once perhaps taken for granted.

While our teams in store have been working hard to feed the frontline, our Brisbane-based corporate team have been looking at other opportunities where we can use our expertise for good.

Domino’s Culinary Innovation and Development Chef Michael Treacy has been leading by example, volunteering with local community organisations to help feed those in need of a hot, safe meal.

MEALS ON WHEELS

For more than 60 years, Meals on Wheels has been supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the community. In Queensland alone, this not-for-profit organisation delivers more than 2 million meals EVERY YEAR. But it’s about more than just delivering a meal. For many of their clients, a Meals on Wheels representative might be the only person they see all day.

In this way, Meals on Wheels provides a sense of community and social interaction, checking in with vulnerable locals who are often unable to leave their homes, especially during a pandemic.

“We are always looking for organisations to assist and help out in the local community.” – Michael Treacy.

Out of the kitchen and on the road, Michael recently spent one afternoon on the streets of Brisbane, delivering almost 50 meals to more than a dozen homes across New Farm, Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and Brisbane CBD.

For Michael, the experience highlighted how many elderly and disabled people were stuck at home, more isolated than usual due to COVID-19. He wasn’t just delivering meals, he was also offering social interaction and a sense of community, something we’ve all learnt to better appreciate as a result of the current health crisis.

After a busy but fulfilling afternoon meeting local Meals on Wheels clients and distributing meals, Michael described his time as incredibly rewarding and a great opportunity to give back to the community.

For more information about the work Meals and Wheels do, head to: https://bit.ly/37Cf27G

BRISBANE RELIEF HUB

Inspired to do more, the following week Michael, joined by Domino’s Junior Development Chef Emily Patis, headed to The Brisbane Relief Hub in Fortitude Valley to help prepare and serve their weekly ‘Community Meal’.

Because when you’ve got the expertise of Domino’s incredible chefs at your disposal, it only makes sense to put those culinary skills to work in the kitchen, feeding those most in need of a safe, hot meal.

The duo behind all your favourite Domino’s pizza flavours #DreamTeam

Owned and operated by The Wesley Mission Queensland, The Brisbane Relief Hub in Fortitude Valley supports people on the margins of society, aiding those who are experiencing financial stress, lacking basic necessities, or are at risk of homelessness.

Every Wednesday at 7pm, the organisation hosts a Community Meal – a free three-course dinner for locals facing hardship.

Run entirely by volunteers, the organisation must be prepared to feed up to 150 people over the course of an evening.

To assist with this volume, Michael donated some special products from the Domino’s menu.

The final menu was Domino’s inspired (of course), including an entrée of carrot and orange soup, a salad featuring Domino’s Chicken Kickers and roast potato for the main, and it wouldn’t be dessert without a Domino’s Lava Cake topped with chocolate sauce (drool).

Manager Moroni wastes no time putting Michael to work prepping the salad.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, locals could enjoy the three-course meal together in the dining hall, providing a space for individuals to engage with others and feel part of a community.

But the current health and safety restrictions meant the Brisbane Relief Hub had to adapt their operations and temporarily become a takeaway service, distributing meals from a makeshift service table outside the front of the building, where locals can drop by to collect a freshly cooked meal.

One three-course meal, but make it takeaway, please.

Just like Meals on Wheels, Community Meal is about more than just the food.

Not far from the takeaway station, a pop-up counselling service was set-up for locals in need someone to talk to, while an organisation that teaches computer literacy to female victims of domestic violence was also on hand to offer their expertise.

More examples of individuals who have donated their time and skills to help make their local community a better place.

Over the course of the evening the team successfully provided a delicious three-course dinner to more than 70 people in need of a hot meal, and Michael and Emily left gaining just as much from the evening as they contributed.

“It’s nice to be able to give back to those in the communities where Domino’s operates,” Michael said.

“We understand that giving back isn’t just always about donating money, but donating your time, skills and resources.

“It’s also great to get involved with frontline services, such as Brisbane Relief Hub, who are providing emergency relief and support to those most at risk in our community.”

All smiles from the chef!

If you’re in Brisbane and would like to volunteer with the Brisbane Relief Hub, head to https://bit.ly/2MMKRkm

Alternatively, if you would like to donate to the Wesley Mission Queensland’s Red Bag Appeal, visit https://bit.ly/37wmDEw

Domino’s and our team members are proud to continue supporting our communities during these challenging times.

Whether it be a pizza donation to those in need of a hot meal, a ‘Doughraiser’ to raise some much-needed funds, or team members donating their time and skills to assist those less fortunate, we’re always looking for ways to give back to our local communities and put a smile on people’s faces.