Bayleys Plate up for a Purpose - Colin Mansbridge

Name: Colin 'Dish it Up' Mansbridge

Title and Company: CEO, Crusaders

What is your cooking experience?

I make a good omelette and always supply (and try not to burn) the Coupland’s pies and sausage rolls when it’s my turn at the Crusaders weekly staff morning tea. I once made a pavlova that didn’t flop in the 1980’s. Otherwise salmon on the barbecue or a barbecue beef Thai salad. Gulp.

What is your signature dish? Essentially chili con carne was a staple at every Dunedin flat I lived in (except that was a few years ago now).

Why are you cooking to help disadvantaged Canterbury children? The Crusaders have a long-standing relationship with the City Mission, an organisation that does so much for people in our community who are in real need. This is a fantastic initiative for school-aged children in Canterbury, enabling young people to set themselves up on their own path to success, much like the Crusaders team. I’m looking forward to cooking on behalf of the Crusaders and giving back to some of our youngest and most passionate supporters. It’s my crusade to help every school aged child to have a chance.

What does being a part of Bayleys Plate Up for a purpose mean to you and your organisation? Our team is closely connected to the people of this region, and we’re proud to be associated with like-minded organisations who each are doing their bit to improve the communities in which we live. Bayleys’ Plate Up for a Purpose is future-focused and I’m proud to be part of an initiative that hopes to inspire the next generation of scholars, community leaders and rugby players!

How can the general public help you? Other than some advice on cooking, City Mission are just such a great organisation. Any help they can get is greatly appreciated by both the Mission and the people they work for. We know, from long-standing experience, that to build great people – who make great players and members of their communities – the earlier the opportunities they are given the better the results. So please help and donate to such a worthwhile cause. Just $1 can make all the difference.

For any donations on my page over $500, to say thanks, we will supply you a double pass to a Crusaders home game in 2020. For donations over $1000, you will get a seat at my table (limited to the first 10) where I will cook for you.

Any additional information that donors might find compelling? When I think of this initiative I try and feel it. I feel about how good it is to give when you give to someone who appreciates it. I imagine myself helping a kid being able to wear shoes to school, to carry their books in a backpack or eat a school lunch and enjoy the feeling of going to school, things that my kids take for granted.