Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/618165
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2015 News RACHEL ZAMMIT CUTAJAR CHRISTMAS is a time for giving and Sean Gravina, of Gourmet Today TV, and Fran Farrugia of Baked have teamed up to serve Christmas brunch to the children spending their holidays at Mater Dei Hospital. When you think of Christmas, your first thoughts go to young children opening presents under the Christmas tree with their families on Christmas morning. How- ever, something we take for granted all the time is not the reality for some children. Good health prohibits some from spending the holidays at home as they are confined to a hospital bed. "This is something I wanted to do last year but it was already too close to Christmas to get it organised. This year I wanted to give something back, to spread the Christmas cheer where it is most lacking," Sean said. Sean met Fran at one of his cooking cours- es and they have been in touch ever since. With a background in social work, Fran was the obvious partner to work on such a project. "Although I have changed my line of work from social work to food, wherever there is the possibility to help society at large, I will always jump at the opportunity," Fran said. Breakfast will be served to approximately 60 children with varying illnesses, some of whom have dietary restrictions. Together with Mater Dei CEO Ivan Falzon, Sean and Fran put together a menu that offers some- thing for everyone. The menu includes a gluten-free muffin, an omelette bake, waf- fles, croissants and fresh orange juice. "Getting everything done has been chal- lenging for a number of reasons. Firstly because we have to keep in mind so many dietary restraints. Many of the patients can't eat dairy and some need to be on a low protein diet. The biggest obstacle how- ever is that all food has to be prepared off the hospital grounds. Raw foods cannot be taken into the hospital because of the pres- ence of bacteria that may pose problems to hospital patients," Sean said. Brunch will be prepared at the Radisson Blu Resort in St Julian's and then transport- ed to the hospital on Christmas Eve. Brunch will be served from 11am with President Mary Louise Coleiro Preca in attendance. Other sponsors who have helped out with the event include Barbuto, Farsons, Ap- plecore Foods, Joseph Zammit Fruits and Arkadia, as well as other anonymous dona- tions. The response they received when they announced the event on social media was overwhelming, with a large number of peo- ple wanting to help out, be it with sponsor- ships or volunteering on the day. "We are hugely grateful for the encourage- ment and the help that we have received, however we are not doing this for a pat on the back. The idea is to spread the Christ- mas cheer in a way that we know how and for Sean and myself it is through food," Fran said. The duo are still trying to make this event better by providing some gifts to give to the children. They are looking for anyone will- ing to donate new electronics that can be left in the children's wards to brighten up an otherwise dull lifestyle while they are there. "We would like to present them with things like new TVs, a playstation and iPads, so if anyone can help out over this festive season please get in contact with me," Sean said. For more information contact Sean Gravina at sean10gravina@gmail.com Chef Sean Gravina serves up the Christmas cheer Sean Gravina and Fran Farrugia – serving Christmas brunch for the children at Mater Dei Hospital