We are now 17 days into the campaign, more and more establishments are joining the campaign every day, and we are getting some great feedback.

The list of participating establishments has now been updated. There are now over 150 venues involved with DineAid 2008, so now diners have a huge choice of where to go in order to support New Zealand charities whilst eating out.

Once again, we offer a huge thanks to all of these very busy businesses.

Please support us by supporting them.

thx

The DineAid Team

“DineAid will be making a huge contribution towards families at risk, youth training and mentoring – all for much less than the price of a flat white. By agreeing to add just $2 to your restaurant bill you’ll be helping people in need of real help throughout NZ.”

(Read original article here)

Kerre Woodham: Sweet charity
4:00AM Sunday Nov 02, 2008

As New Zealand Breast Cancer Month comes to an end, November ushers in a month of new charity initiatives.

I don’t envy fundraisers in this gloomy economic climate. When people are being told to tighten their belts and prepare for a rocky couple of years, it’s difficult to get them to open their wallets even for the most worthy of causes.

Compassion fatigue is a real and recognised condition. If they don’t get you at home via the telephone or letter box, they try to grab you on the street corner or at the supermarket.

You’re not even safe from friends and colleagues as they hit you up to (more…)

Great article on DineAid in the recent issue of Mindfood.

(click here to read the online version)

We are now live! The 2008 campaign commenced today the 1st November and will run through until the 31st December.

Please support DineAid over the next 9 weeks by selecting a DineAid participating restaurant when you are out and about over the Christmas period. The ever expanding list of venues can be viewed via the “restaurants” link at the top of the page.

(Article from New Zealand Herald, 1 November 2008 – read original here)

Do Your Bit

Chances are when you go out to eat over the next month, you’ll be asked to add an extra $2 to your bill. It’s all part of an international charity called DineAid which is aimed to raise money for families in need. Leading Kiwi chef Mark Gregory, who lived and worked in the UK for many years saw a similar concept start there and roll out into other countries including the States, South Africa and Australia. So far over $9 million dollars has been raised internationally. Here in Auckland restaurants taking part include The French Cafe, Clooneys, Dine, Q, Bracu, The Engine Room and more. “It’s a simple and painless way to make a big difference,” says Gregory. www.dineaid.org.nz

Last night saw the media launch for DineAid, kindly hosted by SKYCITY in Auckland. The evening witnessed about 100 media and sponsoring organisations being introduced to the DineAid programme with speeches by Mark Gregory and Rob Cooke.

As a result, DineAid has already been talked about in the New Zealand Herald, on NewstalkZB and we have been assured of much, much more media coverage to come.

We will keep you updated!

“What a fabulous way to contribute to a worthy cause. Dining on delicious food that will nourish the body while our donation will not only nourish our souls but also the souls of New Zealanders in need.”

Pam Tregonning, Executive Director of Kidz First has sent a letter out to over 1,000 businesses that the charity has had dealings with over the past 5 years. The letter requests that the businesses insist on a DineAid participating restaurant when dining out with family, friends or clients over November and December 2008.

Thank you for your support Pam,

(and thanks too to Michelle Kidd for helping to make this happen)

“Dining out is all about sharing – sharing good food, great wine and brilliant company. By adding just $2 to your bill you’ll be sharing and caring. With your help, DineAid can make a difference.”