Paying it forward at Morton's Place

Our second Pay It Forward Dinner was very successful raising over $10,000 thanks to the generosity of our guests on Wednesday night.

The meal was prepared by Chef Terry Fidler of Brisbane Street Bistro with the assistance of sous-chef Amy Brown of JCE Positive Solutions and it was served up by wait-staff Bec, Betty, Mel and Miri who all donated their time to the event.

We were also very fortunate to have local suppliers donate produce for the dinner and other items to make the night special, including Blueline Laundry, Coles (Charles Street), Delicacy Launceston, Glebe Gardens, Matson Catering, Tassal, Tsing Wah, Weeding Hire and Young’s Vegie Shed.

“I jumped at the chance to get involved with this event, I’m a great supporter of the work City Mission does, and for me it’s an opportunity to give something back to those less fortunate,” said Terry Fidler.

“I’ve been working on the menu for a couple of months now and I’m looking forward to working with a great bunch of volunteers to deliver a wonderful experience for our 80 guests Wednesday evening.”

Guests were welcomed at The Mish Coffee Kiosk with a choice of mocktails served by Coca-Cola Amatil before being ushered to their tables in Morton’s Place to enjoy the three-course meal with some light entertainment and hear a couple of stories about the service Morton’s Place provides.

CEO Stephen Brown, in thanking sponsors, supporters and guests of the dinner said, “I am moved by the generosity of the individuals and firms that have come on board to help people who are doing it tough. To a hungry, isolated or homeless person, a hearty meal in a warm and caring environment means a great deal.”

One guest’s ‘pay it forward’ donation could provide 20 meals for a person.

All money raised will go directly to support Morton’s Place. Morton’s Place serves the local community of Launceston with breakfast and lunch meals each weekday. Free meals are available but patrons also have the option to enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for just $5.

Last year donations received from the Pay It Forward Dinner helped provide free ‘Fish and Chip’ lunches each Friday until end of June 2017 and 300 meal vouchers to be distributed to families and individuals in need through Family Services. The remainder of the money directly supported the provision of free breakfasts and soup lunches.