Cultural diversity celebrated at FOF lunch

Enjoying the Multicultural Frocks on Friday lunch last week are (from left) Bollywood restaurant owner Baljeet Sandhu, Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council (TMC) president Arish Naresh, TMC community connector Meredith Jassnoor Kaur Khalsa, Frocks on Friday founder Jo McLean and Hear4U founder Krissy Mackintosh. Picture by Tink Lockett

Kai and connection was the flavour of the day when 50 “frock stars” from the Frocks On Friday (FOF) campaign were treated to a lunch hosted by Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council and Bollywood Indian Restaurant.

The Multicultural Frocks On Friday Lunch was organised to support the purpose of the FOF campaign to raise awareness and support Hear4U — a not-for-profit men’s mental health organisation.

Frock stars were able to register online for the event while other tickets were distributed to newcomers from different ethnic communities in Tairāwhiti.

The women were encouraged to go in their frocks or national dresses.

Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council (TMC) president Arish Naresh said the event was about bringing women together to break down any cultural barriers, make new connections and raise levels of support and awareness through celebrating diversity.

“We wanted to acknowledge and support the kaupapa of Frocks On Friday and also raise awareness about mental health affecting our ethnic communities, especially newcomers to our region who are adjusting to the challenges of many changes” Mr Naresh said.

Good food and conversation provided a platform for people to come together and connect with those they might not usually have the opportunity to meet.

Bollywood owner Baljeet Sandhu and his staff provided a buffet of delicious Indian food and sponsored the beverages for the luncheon.

It was also announced that for the month of December, 5 percent of Bollywood Restaurant’s total sales from dine in, take-away or delivery would  be donated to Hear4U.

TMC ethnic community connector Meredith Jassnoor Kaur Khalsa said the event was also about bringing woman face to face in an atmosphere of empathy, kindness and compassion.

“Regardless of our ethnicity or background we are curious to learn more about each other, and making connections through conversations with someone from a different cultural background creates opportunities to form friendships, and strengthen the sisterhood of women and the support network.”

The Frocks on Friday season was scheduled to run from November 1 to March 1.

However, FOF founder Jo McLean is excited about extending the season by one week, as suggested by TMC, to include Friday, March 8, which is International Women’s Day.

A celebratory event is to be revealed closer to the time.

“Since the inception of Frocks on Friday, I have been blown away by the support of different organisations in our community and the diversity of women this campaign has attracted” Ms McLean said.

Hear4U founder Krissy Mackintosh was likewise humbled by the ongoing support shown to the kaupapa of supporting men in their mental health wellness journeys.

TMC plays an active role in helping ethnic and minority groups settle into life in the community. Support is given in the form of practical advice and assistance in areas such as  accommodation, travel, employment matters and general wellbeing.

It also promotes multiculturalism by educating the wider community in embracing cultural diversity.

It also assists ethnic women with family violence issues as women from migrant families can be unaware of the support services available.

The not-for-profit organisation also hosts community events such as the annual OWD Socks Colour Run and the Diwali Festival of Lights, which features local and national performances and entertainment.

Friday’s luncheon included raffles and spot prizes. Koha raised went to the FOF campaign.