Giving is the Greatest Gift of them All - Christmas Charity Cookup

Turban Chopsticks owner Mei Sann Yong rallied her business contacts, friends and family to donate more than $25,000 worth of gourmet hot breakfast food and items for care packages for more than 300 homeless people and “goodie bags” for UnitingCare West staff as a thank you for their efforts throughout the year at Tranby Centre.

Turban Chopsticks Charity

The gourmet hot breakfast included artisanal coffee and tea by Leftfield Coffee and Ruby Chai, free range eggs, bacon and sausages from Mondo Butchers, fresh cinnamon buns by Spirals Cinnamon, sweetly baked treats from Blossum Catering, fresh vegetables and fruit platters by Food Rescue, muesli, kombucha delicious treats by Artisan Foods and various other breakfast delights donated by a team of donors.

Turban Chopsticks Charity

The also received home lunch boxes of Turban Chopsticks briyani rice with Ragin Cajun BBQ spicy wings along with chutneys from Goan Cuisine, chicken paella from Kamals Quarter and Jeremy’s Butchers, fresh juices from Emma and Tom’s, roast pork by Frank Torre Butchers, along with individual gelato cups by Il Gelato.

Turban Chopsticks Charity

With the donated funds, personal care packages include t-shirts sponsored by Dorado Property and ViJen Le Nails, socks and water by Bangkok Jump Street, bodycare products by Kasumi Beauty, personal supplies by Bunzl Packaging and other personal necessities sponsored by Turban Chopsticks, Patricia Fernandes ceramics, Ava Designs, Odin Brake Services, Leftfield Coffee and Ruby Chai. Goodie bags will also be filled with ready to eat dry sustainable snacks donated by Trans Emporium, Prime Products and personal donors. Books and toys have also been donated for the children.

Ryan Tran Photography, Mei Wan Yong Consulting, Dessein, Feed Me App, the Wellness Flirt, Michelle Mok Creates and Gooey Media have also donated their generous services to this event.

Turban Chopsticks Charity

“I was lucky to be brought up in a family where giving back was just part of our upbringing, and learning to be compassionate and empathetic to others,” said founder of Turban Chopsticks, Mei Sann Yong.

“Our family immigrated to Australia from Malaysia in 1988 and while we experienced challenges learning a new culture and way of life, Australia is now home and growing up here has given me so much opportunity that I feel a sense of responsibility to give back”

Turban Chopsticks Mei Sann Yong

“My grandma, who passed this year, taught me the importance of giving back to those less fortunate. And, my father and uncle have always been heavily involved in the community and charity. I feel so grateful and blessed to have so much love and support in my life of amazing family, friends and business colleagues, but I know that not everyone is born in this environment. I work in food and have used my networks and skills to help those whom are homeless and vulnerable, in a way that I can”

Turban Chopsticks Charity

Over 9 years of growing Turban Chopsticks, now stocked at Woolworths, local IGAs, Farmer Jacks and local retail stores, Mei Sann has also grown a strong and supportive network of suppliers and other small business owners who she has called on to participate.

Turban Chopsticks Charity

“I think we’re living in a time where small business owners need to lead by example and work together to build a community and culture of giving that we all want for our future. I was truly overwhelmed by the kind generosity of all our contributors and wanted to acknowledge and thank everyone who participated,” said Mei Sann.

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