Australia has been in a bit of a tailspin lately. The fires, the pandemic, the lockdowns and now a recession – it all adds up to a pretty stressful year so far.
Whilst reports show that anxiety, panic, depression, anger, confusion, uncertainty and financial stress affect up to 35% of the community, under the conditions of a pandemic, health care workers, teachers and essential workers often hold added pressures, meaning the struggle can be more intense.
No.5 Restaurant and Bar decided that they wanted to play a small part in bringing some connection, joy and positivity to Australians who have been struggling because of COVID-19. To do that, they’ve launched their unique ‘Pay it Forward’ initiative.
The Pay it Forward initiative is designed to do exactly what it says it is. When patrons visit No.5, they’ll be given the opportunity to leave a special ‘tip’ after their meal. 100% of those tips will go towards a fund, designed to say ‘thank you and we’re with you’ to Australians who are doing it tough at the moment. For every $100 that’s received, No.5 will cover a Chef’s Tasting menu and glass of wine for two at No.5 (valued at over $150).
Head Chef Emrys Jones says, ‘One of the most unique things about No.5 is our focus on people. Our bar and restaurant were originally started because the owners, the Jacksons, wanted a warm and welcoming environment where they could share good food and bring people together. Pay it Forward is another way to do just that’.
How do you get involved?
To donate, simply dine at No.5 between now and 31 December and when asked, leave a tip for the #payitforwardno5 campaign.
To nominate, simply follow No.5 on social media (Facebook/Instagram) and watch out for the #payitforwardno5 posts. Then, you simply tag someone they know who is doing it tough, whilst also using the hashtag on your post.
And who can you nominate? Well, that’s up you. It might be someone who has lost their job due to closures, a healthcare worker who is feeling burned out by extended shifts or someone who has sadly lost a loved one to the pandemic. The fund is designed to give back to those who are really doing it tough at the moment.
No. 5 believes that in times like this, it’s that kindness that really makes the difference.
‘At the end of the day, it’s the fact that so many different individuals have expressed their concern and care through donating that makes this a really special initiative’, says Emrys. ‘People who need support may need a meal, but more likely they need that boost that comes from feeling appreciated and seen.’
Located in a converted gem-polishing factory in Sydney’s Inner West, the No.5 menu champions the local, sustainable and seasonal, and is especially focused on great Australian ingredients. You can often find Emrys foraging along the coastal walk between Bondi and Bronte to find truly local ingredients for the No.5 menu, including nasturtiums, seaweed and Warrigal greens. They also use sustainable cooking oil and artisan goods from local producers. Pay it Forward is another aspect of that community focus.
‘We’ve always been focused on Australia. This initiative is a way we can do a small part to help Australians’, says Emrys.
To find out more about this initiative, and how to get involved, get in touch with No.5.
ENDS 31 DECEMBER 2020.
No.5 Restaurant & Bar
5 McCauley Street, Alexandria NSW 2015
Ph: 02 9030 0009
Opening hours: Mon & Tue Closed; Wed to Fri 4pm–11pm; Sat & Sun 12pm–11pm