Garibaldi Secondary culinary students know the importance of locally grown food.
So, when the Fraser Valley — the breadbasket of the region — was struck by a massive rainstorm and flood last week, the up-and-coming chefs knew they had to help. On Monday, the school announced that all proceeds from cafeteria sales and catering events this week will be donated to the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund to assist with the rebuilding effort.
“These farmers have been growing and producing the food that we serve at GSS,” said chef instructor Brent McGimpsey. “Now is our opportunity to help them in their time of need.”
Garibaldi Secondary culinary students will be serving up sourdough bread and ahi tuna poke bowls this week.
Ahi tuna poke bowls, sourdough bread, and chicken donairs are just some of the items on the menu this week and the school is hoping raise at least $1,000 for the relief effort.
The fundraising effort hits close to home for McGimpsey. He has an aunt and uncle who are life-long dairy farmers on the Sumas Prairie, and while their home has escaped the worst of the damage, they are currently evacuated.
“[The students] know that this is something we need to do,” he said. “Our staff have supported us for these first two days and hopefully we will continue to do well for the rest of the week.”
Chicken donairs are just one of several items being served up at the Garibaldi Secondary cafeteria this week.