22 May 2021

Red Cross dinner event to celebrate former refugees

12:05 pm on 22 May 2021

Culture and food from Somalia, Eritrea, Afghanistan and Syria will be showcased in a celebration of diversity at a new event in Christchurch tonight.

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Photo: Red Cross

The New Zealand Red Cross-run event highlights the cultures and backgrounds of former refugees in Aotearoa, and their lives beyond the refugee label.

Renowned chef Jonny Schwass - in collaboration with former refugees in Christchurch - have designed a four-course dinner menu with wine pairings.

The menu will showcase four nationalities that have been resettled in Christchurch since it became a resettlement location less than two years ago.

As well as a four-course meal, guests will enjoy musical performances, guest speakers and a special Ethiopian and Eritrean coffee ceremony.

Now in its third year, Taste of Cultures was originally inspired by a their fundraising recipe book.

"The reason for doing this is celebrating diveristy and to understand the benefits refugees bring to New Zealand," Red Cross Pathways To Employment National Programme manager Jarrah Cook said.

The money raised will go towards Red Cross programmes within NZ.

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