24 Oct, 2024
Two renowned female Thai chefs hold first charity event to alleviate plight of refugees
Bangkok — Two of Thailand’s most renowned female chefs with shared values rooted in their humble family origins teamed up for an exclusive International Chefs Day event that raised 800,000 baht for the UNHCR, the global refugee welfare agency now under immense pressure to cope with the growing number of humanitarian crises worldwide.
In an exquisitely crafted Brunch, Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, the master chef and owner of Blue Elephant restaurant chain, a Royal Thai Cuisine, joined hands with Chef Supinya Junsuta known as Chef Jay Fai, winner of the world’s first street-food Michelin Star, to organise “International Chefs Day: The Living Legend Chefs Charity Brunch for UNHCR” on October 20 at the Blue Elephant premises on Sukhumvit Soi 13, Bangkok.
Master Chef Nooror showcased her world-renowned Bespoke Massaman Lamb and the legendary Foie Gras with Tamarind Sauce in addition to a lavish spread of other gourmet delights. Chef Jay Fai presented her famous Crab Omelette. They also auctioned some of their personal artifacts at the event. Chef Noor’s cookbook & lucky jacket (which she wore when receiving her Royal decoration from the King of Belgium) fetched 60,000 THB and Chef Jay Fai’s iconic cooking goggles and spatula went for 70,000 THB.
Special activities lined up include a charity raffle, and live performances by famous Thai DJs. Veteran Thai artist, Vorasan Supap, also offered some of his masterpieces for auction, which raised 410,000 baht.
The rest of the funds came from ticket sales and donations.
Ms Nivene Albert, UNHCR Deputy Representative in Thailand, lauded the effort, noting in her opening remarks, “I am honoured to experience the kindness of Thai people together with Thai cuisine to show solidarity with refugees and people forced to flee. Not only is it the first event of its kind in Thailand, but it’s also the first time that we see the women living legend chefs; Chef Nooror and Chef Jay Fai working together to ease suffering of people in need.” (See full text of her speech below).
The media invitation quoted Chef Nooror as saying, “Refugees and other forcibly displaced people are at an increased risk of undernutrition and malnutrition. Every support is urgently needed to help ease the suffering. This charity brunch not only aims to make a significant impact on the lives of refugees but also to present the living legend chefs and their culinary masterpieces as a soft power to help the global crisis.”
According to the media release, “The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has surged to 120 million, marking the 12th consecutive year of rising displacement. This alarming trend is fuelled by both new and protracted conflicts. Over the past year, UNHCR issued 43 emergency declarations to scale up support in 29 countries — the highest number in decades. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is actively responding to these emergencies, delivering aid and protection on the ground in many countries around the world. More than ever, solidarity across all sectors is important to raise awareness, provide humanitarian assistance, and work toward lasting solutions for those forced to flee.”
“In response to the global situations and to ensure preparedness for future emergencies, UNHCR Thailand has established the “Empathy Emergency Fund” since 2022. This campaign invites the Thai community to extend their support, helping to provide essential aid during and after crises for those in desperate need.”
This editor was honoured to be invited and proud to have contributed in a small way. In a world heading adrift by the day, the Travel & Tourism industry would do well to organise many more such creative events for the upliftment of humanity.
#UNHCRThailand #WithRefugees #EmergencyFund #กองทุนภาวะฉุกเฉิน
More information about Chef Nooror Somany Steppe and Chef Jay Fai:
https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/bangkok-region/bangkok/restaurant/jay-fai
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