Former islander’s scheme sees chefs cooking for NHS workers
NHS workers in 11 London hospitals are receiving gourmet grub thanks to an initiative by two people with strong links to the island.
Hospitality for Heroes provides meals cooked by renowned chefs for NHS workers in 11 London hospitals.
Former islander Oli Coles started the not-for-profit scheme in late March alongside Amelia Wix, whose parents live here.
Within two weeks of having the idea, the initiative had gained momentum.
Mr Coles said: ‘It became evident that something drastic needed to happen to keep the hospitality industry alive, whilst providing a turn-key solution to the problem the NHS workforce were finding – a lack of access to food, and a lack of healthy, nutritious produce available. I wanted to create a not-for-profit initiative that could keep London’s finest independent and furloughed chefs at work, support local suppliers and boost morale whilst ensuring our NHS heroes are well fed on a daily basis.’
It began with an Instagram nomination challenge to encourage healthy home-cooking, where chefs challenged each another to share recipes.
Social media was used to spread awareness, leading more than 100 chefs to participate.
Due to chefs being furloughed with 80% of their salary, many offered their time for medical staff.
Now over 20,000 meals are issued to NHS workers weekly and more than £70,000 has been raised toward the £100,000 fundraising target.
‘This initiative and its organic growth has demonstrated the productive power of social media and the positive impact and strength the hospitality industry has when it is united,’ Mr Coles said.
‘We’re looking to set up outside London where there is definitely a need. The long term plan for Hospitality for Heroes is to always provide those in need with quality dishes.
‘Restaurants we’re working with have already said they’re really keen to keep this going even after the current crisis.’
Top chefs prepare daily meals from nine restaurants, including Sally Abe of London’s only Michelin-starred pub The Harwood Arms, Matt Abe of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, plus many more.
Approximately 50 volunteers assist with daily deliveries and other elements behind the scenes.
Chefs and kitchens are provided for free.
Donations allow the purchase of fresh produce from local suppliers and PPE for volunteers.
Mr Coles worked during all school holidays at restaurants including Dix Neuf, Christies and the Boathouse.
He moved to London in 2011 but returns yearly to visit his parents, Chris and Dana Coles.
Ms Wix is the daughter of Johnathan and Carolyn Wix and recently organised an auction which brought in £22,000 in donations.
n Visit: gofundme.com/f/hospitality-for-heroes to donate online or find out more.
