The fundraising program to support hospitality workers in need – HelpOutHospo – continues its work for employees, and seeks more venues to get involved.
The HOH program began with an act of generosity by executive chef Joe Cavallo of Momento group’s Sarino’s, who surrendered his last shifts to help other workers.
Launched last month, HOH offers value to home consumers while generating revenue for financial relief, by selling access to video courses. Courses comprise four or more videos, and range from $10 to a $99 all-access lifetime pass. Donations can also be made, the largest from an individual donor to date being $500.
HOH is now providing support to many visa and casual workers in need, paying out around $2-3k per week. Over $55k has been raised so far, with a minimum target of $100k.
Gold sponsors include Westpac, Carlton & United Breweries, Brown-Foreman, Campari Group, Momento Hospitality and PubTIC, along with partners Feros Hotels, Rockpool Group, Matt Moran Group, Brades Burgers and Smile Catering.
A weekly board meeting is conducted with Marcello Colosimo, Matt Moran, Momento group GM Jason Jelicich, and Alanna Khodier from Business Coaching Services.
“Our mission is to get more venue partners on board, to load more content, and spread the word about the relief fund to their communities,” explains Jelicich.
There are currently 27 video courses available, comprising more than 100 individual videos.
Subjects include celebrity chefs Matt Moran, Luke Mangan and Neil Perry, as well as the likes of Cocktails at Home, Flavouring Spirits & Shrubs, Slow-Cooked BBQ, and even burger-making, joining Cavallo’s tutorials on traditional pasta.
To become a venue partner and have your staff eligible for funding visit www.helpouthospo.com.au
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“I was absolute devastated,” offers Sarino employee Charlotte Ozer.
“I live by myself so the reality of having to pay for so many bills with no job hit me right away. It’s been a roller coaster for me, there have been times where I felt helpless and unable to believe what was happening.
“When I got the payment I actually sobbed a bit. I used it to pay my rent and go food shopping, which I hadn’t been able to do for the previous two weeks. Receiving that money meant more to me than HelpOutHospo will ever know.”
“I manage a restaurant in Barangaroo and due to the current climate, I have been temporarily stood down,” says Christina Covey, of Barangaroo House.
“After working and paying tax, and an extortionate amount of money on visas in Australia for five years, I felt very let down by the government when they excluded me from any financial support, and did not lift my visa restrictions on work.
“’Go Home’ was not an option for me. The UK’s COVID-19 rates are so high that it is like sending a lamb to the slaughter. My life is here; my apartment, my fiancé, five years’ worth of life and work, relationships and friendships. I cannot leave that so easily.
“HelpOutHospo is an amazing cause that has helped me pay rent by approving my application, they have lifted stress and worry and made this time a little less scary. Great work guys. Thank you so much.”
Examples of videos