aubergine1101

16 March 2011

The Aubergine Bistro joins Japan disaster relief drive

Durban – Local restaurateur Chris Black has launched a fundraiser through The Aubergine Bistro in Hillcrest to assist the massive South African rescue mission heading to earthquake and tsunami ravaged Japan to assist with recovery efforts.

Black is offering vouchers to a three course lunch for R60 – a 50% saving – and he will donate R60 per voucher sold to the 49 member Rescue SA mission that flew into Japan this week. The vouchers can be collected from the restaurant at 40 Old Main Road Hillcrest during normal operating hours.

“We have all been profoundly affected by the scale of the disaster in Japan, and feel helpless that we can’t assist in some way,” said Black. “Here is a way that Durbanites can support the local efforts to help rebuild Japan, and enjoy a lunch at the Aubergine in the process.”

The Rescue SA mission of doctors and rescue staff together with a few journalists flew into Tokyo with 12 tons of rescue equipment, ready to join the global rescue efforts in Japan under the direction of the Japanese Prime Minister’s office.

“The team’s main priority is search and rescue and trying to find any survivors,” said Samantha Botsis, Rescue SA’s head of local operations. “However the unfortunate truth of the matter is that we’ll probably be doing a lot of body recovery. Either way though we’re there to do whatever the Japanese authorities want us to do.”

She added that their mission was eager to make South African’s proud of their efforts to assist with the operation. “We really want to fly our country’s flag high. The perception amongst many is that South Africa doesn’t have the ability to do something like this and the reality is that we’re sending over one of the top teams in the world.”

Around three quarters of the R8 million price tag for their operation has already been raised through donations from the government and corporate sector, leaving them still significantly short of funds, and appealing for assistance.

“It is impossible to try describe the effect it has on the team’s morale when they hear that someone has gone to the bank, drawn R20 and deposited it in our account. It is huge for us!” said Botsis.

“Every little bit adds up and that person is basically saying to our guys “we’re behind you and we support you every step of the way” which means so much to the team,” she added.

“We’d really like to express our thanks to each and every one of The Aubergine patrons who will be supporting our efforts,” said Botsis. “Every little bit helps and all that the guys want to do is to make everyone back at home proud and your contributions all help enable them to do this.”


ends

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media