Motivated and fearless young Waka rowers keen for International success

When two worlds collide.....

It is common knowledge that I have been blessed. Blessed in childhood and lucky in travel. I have never been without - though often thought I was!

When I started working with others from different cultures my eyes were truly opened to how incredibly lucky I have been.

I met Rose, just 2 years ago, when she volunteered to gain 'hours' for her diploma in Hospitality. I liked her. She is strong and committed and seriously determined. She didn't have the type of childhood I have had. We probably share very little common life experiences. When she talks of some of hers I feel transported into a movie rather than the reality of someone's life just down the road.

I have employed Rose often. She has never let me down - ever. She is reliable, professional, rises to any occasion and has had feedback which reflects positively on her and on my brand. Suffice it to say I think she is a legend.

She JUST graduated and I am so proud of her.

When she told me her daughter Hunni, who is in a Waka rowing team with 5 other 9-11yr olds, all of different nationalities, had been chosen to go to Australia in September to compete, I could see her pride.

I enquired how they would fund it and discovered that they need to raise the lot - or take out loans.

In an effort to support Rose, and her daughter and the rest of this team I have offered to cook a 3 course dinner with Rose and I as Head Chefs - for 100 people!

This was our idea when Rose told me that she and most of the people she knows have never had the opportunity to eat a 3 course dinner out at a restaurant.

(aside:How can we expect students to do hospitality without the experience of being a diner themselves?)

The guests don't have a lot of money themselves but have paid $25 for this experience and I am busy organising donations of produce to ensure the girls get ALL THIS MONEY.

It still won't cover their whole trip though - and that is an issue. And the girls are young so families need to get themselves there too - to look after the girls.

Any money donated goes straight to these girls - and just to the girls. The dinner is my issue and I will help to ensure those funds are given.

What we need now - is more money to make this an extraordinary trip for the girls - one to remember forever and to show them that with hard work comes true reward.