On Boxing Day 2011, celebrity chef Matt Golinski lost his wife and three daughters when a fire devastated their family home.
Matt survived the fire, but sustained third degree burns to 40 percent of his body. He was unconscious for weeks and only recently learned of his family’s fate.
Now, Matt’s colleagues and friends — including MasterChef stars George Calombaris, Manu Feildel and Gary Mehigan — have banded together to create ‘Plates for Mates’, a nationwide fundraiser.
Money raised will go to the Matt Golinski Recovery Fund Trust, to fund Matt’s emotional and physical recovery.
A portion of the proceeds will also go to The McComb Research Foundation, a charitable organisation set up by former Australian of the Year Dr Fiona Wood to aid burns research.
Plates for Mates asks food industry businesses across Australia to devise simple fundraising activities during the months of April.
Suggested activities include asking every customer to donate one dollar, asking staff to donate their tips, creating special dinner events or adding 20 cents to the price of a coffee or cocktail.
You can help by encouraging your favourite restaurant or café to participate or by making a direct donation via the Plates for Mates website.
Video: Memorial held for Matt Golinski’s wife and daughters
