One of the most debilitating things with domestic violence is that it strips someone of their self worth. A victim of domestic violence is told they are worthless for so long they believe it. By the time they build up the courage to escape to a safe refuge the victim is typically severely depressed and due to cutting of all ties with their partner - financially poor.
In September last year we commenced a pilot cooking program at the Women’s and Girls Emergency Centre – a safe house that supports domestic violence survivors. Our aim was simply to demonstrate worth by running a small cooking class for the women. To fill their fridge with good food, and the refuge with comforting and homely cooking smells. We also ensured that extra food was made and the women were able to deliver food to the local disadvantaged school. The process of providing for others was incredibly empowering. Some of the women who believed they had nothing to offer were providing good food to young kids or to other women within the safe house.
Our Kitchen Table project aims to create positive social change by demonstrating worth and providing opportunities for empowerment to women in domestic violence safe houses. We are taking the lessons learned from the pilot and will run to 10 x 6 week programs in 2017 in safe houses or with services providers who support domestic violence survivors.
How you can help.
We want to demonstrate that this project is fuelled by people from the community. If you support us we will read out your name at the start of one of our programs.
We're also offering you the opportunity to learn from the best chefs in Sydney at our Kitchen Table Event fundraiser - a hands on cooking class at the Sydney Seafood School and for each ticket you purchase it will allow us to provide a place for one woman in our 6 week cooking program.
We have 2 classes you can attend:
Our Kitchen Table - Course 1. May 23rd
With Danielle Alvarez of Fred's and Mike McEnearney of Kitchen by Mike and No. 1 Bent Street, hosted by the great Joanna Savill
Our Kitchen Table - Course 2. May 29
With Jock Zonfrillo of Orana and Jemma Whiteman and Mike Eggert of Good Luck Pinbone, hosted by the delightful Jill Dupleix
Donate $50 and we will give you one of our 100% organic cotton, Australian Made, "Food is more than Food" Tees.
As well as "Food is more than Food" Aprons!
Table would like to acknowledge the following partners and supporters:
- Our awesome chefs and hosts!
- Angie Sceats, our cooking course program curator.
- Anna Tol, creator of our crowdfunding video.
