CHEFS in Letterkenny have cooked up a plan to help those affected by the coronavirus.
From today the Honeypot Coffee Shop has opened its kitchen so that free hot meals can be prepared and delivered to the elderly, vulnerable and to those in self isolation.
The move is an extension of the ‘ChefAid’ initiative launched recently in Donegal Town and which is providing aid to dozens of people who are unable to leave their homes because of Covid-19.
ChefAid Letterkenny was launched on Wednesday and James Greene, co-proprietor of the Honeypot, said the support has been overwhelming.
“This is a non-profit community initiative which has been set up whereby from Friday we will be providing a two-course hot evening meal to anyone who is vulnerable, elderly or affected by the virus.
“We have our own chefs and staff as well as chefs and volunteers who have been laid off from other businesses coming in to help with the cooking. Councillor Gerry McMonagle and Letterkenny CDP will then arrange the deliveries.
“The response so far has been great and people have been so generous. Gerry McMonagle and Letterkenny CDP in particular have been a huge help in getting the initiative off the ground.”
Paddy McCafferty, Councillor Gerry McMonagle and Garda Sergeant Paul Barrett helping launch ChefAid Letterkenny.
ChefAid Letterkenny is the complete community response to the Covid-19 outbreak in that all sectors have chipped in to make it happen. In a bid to get the project up and running the Honeypot has donated €2,000 with a further €500 coming in from ChefAid Donegal Town. Chefs, staff and delivery drivers are giving their time freely while food suppliers have agreed to donate produce at a reduced rate.
James Greene said they are forecasting requests for up to 100 meals per day. The first dinners left the Honeypot at 4pm this afternoon. From there they will be available seven days per week.
A Go Fund Me page has been established to allow the general public to make donations of their own.
“This could go on for weeks and we will run it for as long as we are able,” said James.
Gerry McMonagle added that local businesses such as supermarkets and butchers will be asked to come on board over the coming days in a bid to keep ChefAid Letterkenny on the road.
“If they can contribute in any way it would be of huge benefit because what we are trying to do here is provide a service that is needed and that is valued,” said Councillor McMonagle.
Anyone wishing to avail of the service can contact Margaret Toner of Letterkenny CDP on 0873891500. Phone lines are open from 10am to noon and will be manned Monday to Friday. Outside of those hours, the service can be reached via the ChefAid Letterkenny Facebook page.
There will be no need to phone in every day and meals will be delivered between 4pm and 6pm seven days per week.
To make a donation go to www.gofundme.com/chef-aid-letterkenny.
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