As the days get colder and many people look toward another holiday season away from loved ones in their home countries, we find ourselves even more in need of the traditions that feed our souls and support our adopted home. Chi Fan For Charity (CFFC) is one of those traditions. Once a year the Beijing food community comes together as restaurants donate tables and patrons vie for the privilege of eating at them all in the spirit of giving back to those less fortunate.
Beijing Foodie Queen and CFFC board member Anna Lourenco told me: “CFFC is a fantastic chance for those who want to try local restaurants and help those in need. Where else can you try new places and donate to charity while doing it?”
But not everyone manages to score a table. However, everyone can and should take part in the epic lucky draw raffle.
Preston Thomas, the president of the CFFC board, shares: “CFFC has been around for over a decade now. Besides the dinners, the raffle is a super important way to help fund these charities. Everyone is struggling now but it’s even worse for those that literally have nothing. Dig deep and support and you might win one of the RMB 200,000 in prizes.”
Each ticket is an opportunity to win a local experience or service like a dinner at TRB’s much-anticipated newest restaurant Fork, cookies from beloved baker Cammymade, a tour with Lost Plate or vouchers for expat favorite places like Cheers of Blissful.
There are over 118 fantastic prizes, like staycations at all of the Jing’s most elite hotels, including but not limited to NUO, Shangri-la, Eclat, and the Four Seasons.
This year all proceeds will be going to not one but three deserving charities: Agape Family House, One School and From Our Eyes. These local programs help orphans with special needs, educate rural students and work to preserve China’s beautiful culture through sustainable means. But they need your help. With fewer expats in the city ticket sales are much less than in previous years. Last year over RMB 18,000 was raised from raffle tickets alone and every yuan counts.
Camilla Kongshavn has volunteered to manage the raffle for several years and she spends months of her precious time organizing, recruiting and selling tickets. Camilla explains: “CFFC brings communities together, to give for the purpose of bettering the well-being of local charities in need. It’s a beautiful way of giving back a little something and add another meaningful purpose to one’s life. Supporting the event has a life-changing impact on thousands of people, for the charity beneficiaries as well as those supporting. … It adds value to everyone’s life in some way.”
Despite all the difficulties expat life in China presents we are still lucky and well provided for. As we head into a season that is about counting our blessings and moving towards a brighter world let’s remember that we have a responsibility to those in need. A small donation could net you a big karmic kickback in the form of a 4-star meal or first-class staycation, and it will definitely provide warm fuzzy feelings!
Don’t miss out, sales end on Saturday the 12th! To purchase raffle tickets scan the QR code below.
KEEP READING: Worth the Wait: CFFC After Party!
Images: Pexels, CFFC
