Our View
Another MasterChef competition has come and gone. For many it was the ultimate drama, played out on television, but it didn't really grab me. It was a bit contrived. I can see why it would appeal, though, with eliminations giving a sense of tension.
But now we have a proper reality show in our backyard, one that doesn't require cunning television tactics to succeed. What's more, the point is to help raise money for our community.
The event is the now-annual Jigsaw Whanganui Cook-Off.
Most readers will be aware Jigsaw Whanganui's tentacles reach far into the community, providing support, guidance and help for some of our most vulnerable. It runs on a shoestring budget, so extra funding is treasured.
It is no mean feat to provide an all-encompassing service at a professional level, given tight financial constraints and the fact families' needs are becoming ever more acute. But the 19 or so staff do so in an area that mirrors the Whanganui DHB zone. They deal with more than 400 families a year and as well as reaching into the city, deliver services to people in isolated rural areas.
