26 September 2016 – Opportunity International Australia is excited to announce that former Australian test cricketer and fast bowler, Michael Kasprowicz, is trading his cricket whites for chef whites and will go head to head against three-time Olympic gold medallist, Stephanie Rice, in a curry cook-off on 6 October 2016.

Opportunity Chief Executive Officer, Robert Dunn, said: “We are delighted that Stephanie Rice and Michael Kasprowicz will kick off our Great Australian Curry fundraising campaign with this curry cook-off. It will be inspiring to see the competitive spirits which drove them to international sporting success come through in the kitchen rather than in the pool or on the cricket pitch.

“Every dollar raised through this event and the Great Australian Curry campaign will provide small loans to families in India, Indonesia and the Philippines so they can start a business, earn regular incomes and begin to leave poverty behind.

“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,” he added.

Michael Kasprowicz, Opportunity Council Member, said: “I recently visited Opportunity’s work in Delhi, India. Seeing firsthand the impact of small loans, empowering parents to meet the needs of their children, was so rewarding.

“Kids can dream of becoming whatever they want in the future, whether it be sportspeople or teachers, because they know their parents can afford to give them an education. It’s the way it should be.”

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.

Great Australian Curry Cook-Off

Date: Thursday 6 October 2016
Time: 6.30pm to 9pm
Venue: Cell Block Theatre, National Art School, Forbes Street, Darlinghurst.

For more information visit greataustraliancurry.org.au

Media contact

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