In the downturn of economy when cutting costs is essential, corporate budget for charity works therefore also declines. However, this is not the case for Asiana Travel Mate(ATM), one of local leading Tour Operator, who again on March 14th organized a charity cooking event at Phat Huy - Binh Trieu center.

It was a one day event where ATM staff together with its customers, tourists and expats in Saigon, and Saigon Culinary Art Center teamed up to cook for 150 kids and adults at Phat Huy center, in Thu Duc District. The center has about 300 kids studying there, among which 35 are also provided with shelter and food, and being taken care by Sisters and volunteers of the center.

The event started with Binh Trieu market visit. The sight of a traditional market excited those who visited it for the first time. Challenge for participants is to purchase materials for cooking from a list, within budget. Therefore, serious negotiation skill was required to put into use.

After the market visit, every one headed to Phat Huy center where surprise awaited for them. The moment they made their entrance, they were so touched and overwhelmed by the welcoming song which was sung by the kids themselves. One of the guest shouted out excitedly, "This is so lovely of them!"

When it was time to get down to business, everyone put their whole effort to cook. Even so, the goal for 20 people, who had little or no experience in cooking, to cook for more than 150 rations seemed out of reach. No one else but the kids came to their rescue. In a blink of eyes, hundred of spring rolls were made ready. The following dishes of fried chickens with fish sauce, pickled mustard leaf soup with pork meat, rice with onion sauce, sweet green bean soup in coconut milk were also prepared in time for the big lunch.

Even though the ending is not "they live happily ever after" like a fairy tale, yet the event did end with laughter, joy and satisfactory. The kids had a delicious meal and a fun time. The guests had a joyful and meaningful day. Thank you all who were a part of "Responsible and Sharing" day.

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