RAILS adds Sunday lunch to its fundraising menu

The Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS) will soon serve up a delicious Sunday lunch for those with an appetite for helping people seeking safety and belonging.

The service’s inaugural Flavours of Hope fundraiser this month will boast a menu curated and prepared by acclaimed Queensland chef Matt Golinski, and be hosted in Brisbane heritage property Hanworth House.

RAILS CEO Malathi Kanagasabapathy said the event on 21 June would be more than a fundraising lunch.

“It is an opportunity to bring together community leaders, supporters, businesses, and friends of RAILS around a shared table and a shared purpose,” Ms Kanagasabapathy said.

“Food has a unique way of connecting people, starting conversations, and building understanding, which aligns strongly with the values of inclusion and community that sit at the heart of RAILS’ work.”

Ms Kanagasabapathy said the centre was incredibly grateful to the Sunshine Coast chef, whose 35-year career has included appearances on TV and at regional festivals, and working in some of the state’s best restaurants.

“Matt has a genuine passion for supporting initiatives that bring compassionate, like-minded people together, and his involvement helps create an atmosphere of warmth, connection and generosity that reflects the spirit of the event,” she said.

“We hope this event not only raises important funds to support vulnerable people seeking safety and justice but also strengthens awareness of the growing need for accessible legal support for refugees and people seeking asylum.

“Every ticket purchased and every partnership formed through this event contributes to creating pathways of hope, dignity and belonging.”

Ms Kanagasabapathy said it was hoped the event would become a signature event.

“We want it to grow into a meaningful celebration of compassion, culture, and collective impact, while continuing to build long-term partnerships that support the sustainability of our services into the future,” she said.

Flavours of Hope will be held from 11.30am to 3pm.

Buy tickets here.