6 September 2016 – Opportunity International Australia is inviting Aussies to cook up a favourite curry as part of the Great Australian Curry campaign, share it with friends, and raise funds to enable people living in poverty to start a small business.

Opportunity Chief Executive Officer, Robert Dunn, said: “Everyone has a favourite curry recipe and we know that Australians love a get together with family and friends. So let’s all have a curry and raise funds for families living in poverty in India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

“Every dollar raised will provide small loans to families in Asia, giving them the tools they need to earn regular incomes and begin to leave poverty behind.”

Triple Olympic Gold Medallist, Stephanie Rice, invited Australians to get behind the Great Australian Curry. “By simply getting together with some friends and family and cooking up your favourite curry, we can help raise much needed funds and give people in Asia a hand up,” she exclaimed.

“With a hand up from Aussies, mothers can start a small business, put food on the table and send their children to school,” explained Rob Dunn.

“For a family who can’t afford the basics, a gift as small as $70 can be life changing. By helping a mother start a food shop or open a samosa stand, small loans enable them to earn a regular income, invest in their children’s futures and strengthen their communities.

“By raising $350 Aussies can help five families and raising $1,000 means 14 families can live a better life.

“There are three easy ways to get involved:

• Share a spice night at home
• Host a curry cook-off at work or invite people to bring in a spicy share plate
• Let the professionals do their thing by heading out to enjoy a meal at an Asian or Indian restaurant.

“Invite your friends, family or colleagues to enjoy curry and show their support by donating,” he added.

Media contact

Marie Kelly-Davies
Media and Communications Manager
Opportunity International Australia
02 9270 3332; 0408 256 381
mkelly-davies@opportunity.org