Fundraising for Louisiana Hurricane Victims
New Orleans chef Alon Shaya will be sharing his passion for Louisiana cooking while in Halifax to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
A fundraising reception, featuring live Acadian music, a silent auction and food, will be held at the Prince George Hotel on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $25 by calling 1-800-563-6368. Proceeds from the reception will go to the American Red Cross to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Mr. Shaya's visit to Nova Scotia is part of a chef exchange program organized by the Taste of Nova Scotia Society. Halifax chef Ray Bear travelled to New Orleans in early August as part of a provincial trade mission and chef exchange. Mr. Shaya decided to use his visit as an opportunity to help the people of Louisiana.
"I was originally scheduled to visit Nova Scotia as part of the chef exchange, something that might not have happened if it were not for the fundraising events," said Mr. Shaya. "I feel extremely honoured to represent the city of New Orleans and I hope to return there with a sense of hope. The city has been through so much and I want to do anything I can to help."
"I am deeply saddened to hear about the destruction caused by the hurricane," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Acadian Affairs. "Because of our close historical and cultural connections to the people of Louisiana, this reception ties together the chef exchange and the desire of many Nova Scotians to help our southern neighbours."
"This reception is an opportunity for me to help out the people of New Orleans and Louisiana who have lost everything," said Mr. Bear. "I am so glad that I had an opportunity to visit New Orleans last month and I will always remember the city's character and vitality."
A Po'Boy Power fundraiser, which is happening in many cities in the United States, will take place during the Grou Tyme festival on the Halifax waterfront from Sept. 23-25. The po'boy sandwich is a traditional sandwich in New Orleans made with French bread.
A number of Nova Scotia chefs will be preparing po'boy sandwiches at the Grou Tyme tent during the three day event. The requested donation for each po'boy is $10, with proceeds going to the hurricane relief effort. Mr. Shaya will be the guest chef during the Grou Tyme Festival, celebrating the Nova Scotia - Louisiana bond.
Nova Scotia chefs are donating their time and skills while the ingredients for the sandwiches will be donated by local producers.
Po' boys will be available 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23; 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24; and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25.