Robb Nai and his Kai Now Facebook group are changing Kiwi lives for the better. Photo / Supplied
Robb Nai and his Kai Now Facebook group are changing Kiwi lives for the better. Photo / Supplied
He may have gone viral for the noodle challenge but away from the internet fame, Robb Nai and his Kai Now Facebook group are changing Kiwi lives for the better.
Last year group owner Nai started the New Zealand eating page Kai Now, but not as a way to promote food, instead - as a way to help people fight the black dog of depression.
Nai told the Herald what started as a project to help those with low self-esteem feel valued, has turned into an exercise of helping those in need and feeding the homeless.
"I know a lot of people turn to food through depression. So I tried to bring people on board to create a community where they feel like they can belong," he explained.
"I've had people that have been bullied and couldn't interact with others, people who feel low about themselves have messaged me saying thanks for making me feel like they're valued."
With a growing number of people struggling to buy food and more living on the street, Nai decided to use money made from selling merchandise as a way to feed those in need.
"The money I get out of selling merchandise goes to feeding the homeless.
"We often go down to Hobson St in Auckland with hot and cold food. I have cakes, hot cakes, doughnuts and other types of meals. We go down and help them out.
"It's all because of the members buying merchandise that we can do this and give back. Without them what we do isn't possible. I'm so blessed we have a community of people from all backgrounds that are here grow as people or help those who are struggling."
Robb Nai and the Kai Now team deliver food to those in need. Photo / Supplied
Members of the group go live on Facebook to share their food experiences, promote recipes, or just to talk to others as a way of interacting with like-minded people.
With a lot of members struggling with body issues and self-confidence, hundreds use the platform as a way to expand their social circle from the comfort of their own home.
Nai says he's had two people come to him saying they're suicidal, but thanks to the group they now feel part of a group and no longer believe they're social outcasts.
"We've had two members that have come to me saying they're suicidal. One was bullied because of his appearance but he started going live on Facebook with videos of his cooking and his confidence slowly built.
"I made him moderator and gave him power as a way to make him feel good about himself. Now he's a regular contributor and feels worthy and part of a team."
Dont let depression feed you. Let you feed you with happiness 😎
#ChinUp☝️
While Nai is grateful for the praise he receives, he says none of what the group has achieved would be possible without the heart of his admin team and friends.
