Compass Group Ireland teach almost 500 children and parents the joy of cooking in partnership with the Temple Street Foundation
Overview of the Partnership
For the past 15 years, the Temple Street Children’s Hospital’s W82GO programme has educated families on the importance of healthy eating, physical fitness, self-esteem and shopping efficiently.
In 2015, Compass Ireland partnered with the Temple Street Foundation to introduce practical cookery lessons into the programme, promoting the numerous health, wellbeing and economic benefits of cooking at home and as a family.
The aim was to steer people away from processed foods and introduce fast, friendly recipes that all the family could participate in. In essence: the plan was to make food fun, not a chore!
The programme has gone from strength to strength, and five years on, Compass Ireland are still bringing the joy of cooking to families of the W82GO programme.
Implementing Best Practice
Initially launched as the Healthy Foods programme, the lessons have evolved and been adapted to fit the unique needs of the Temple Street Foundation.
In addition to practical cooking lessons delivered at the iconic Aviva stadium, Compass Ireland have produced a bespoke recipe book exclusively for families participating in the programme, to help sustain a love of fresh food and reduce the dependency on processed meals.
Managing Director of Compass Ireland, Chris Chidley, had this to say about the programme:
“One of the core focus areas within our sustainability strategy is Enriching Communities. Our work with charities, schools and community groups goes above and beyond financial donations. The W82GO programme is an embodiment of that. I’m passionate about sharing our skills, expertise and knowledge to give back to the community”.
The Impact of the Partnership
The impact of Compass’s involvement has seen approximately 493 children and parents engage in cooking lessons to date, with over 100 more fresh faces expected to take part in 2020. The programme also supports the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal no.3: Good Health and Wellbeing. This seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
The feedback received all but confirms how well the initiative is being received:
“A huge thank you for last night and all the work and organising you put in to make it happen…Everyone in the Aviva was so helpful and the food was amazing. The kids all really enjoyed themselves, as did the parents!
“Thanks a million, to you and the team last night. All the kids and parents really enjoyed it and were very thankful to you and the team for the cooking and whole evening.”
“We made of few of the lads’ “dreams come true” to get in to the Aviva and there were definitely a few new foods eaten as well. Success all around! We really appreciate your input to the group programme.”
This success comes as a result of over 396 hours of dedicated volunteering work from 6 talented Compass Ireland Chefs, who tailor each and every engaging session to fit the needs of the families and participants involved.
Compass Ireland plan to continue working hand in hand with the Temple Street Foundation, helping more families to thrive through the power of food in 2020 and beyond.
Compass Group Ireland’s Impact in 2019
Compass Group Ireland provided €2,889 in cash donations; €6,294 was contributed through in-kind donations and €900 was raised through employee fundraising. Employees also volunteered 176 hours to local groups and projects during the year.
