Staff at a leading public relations agency, who are used to cooking up a media storm, ditched the office for the kitchen as they took part in the YMCA Derbyshire Community Meal.
The team at Penguin PR – directors Simon Burch and Sarah Newton, plus account manager Kerry Ganly, account executive Lucy Stephens and digital marketing apprentice Katie Cox – were the latest business to take part in the monthly initiative at the London Road-based charity, where they cooked and served a delicious two-course meal to 70 people.
This was the second time that Penguin PR, which has offices in Derby and Chesterfield, have taken part in the monthly meal, which is held in conjunction with city mental health charity Head High.
The team prepared pasta bolognaise – plus a vegetarian option – for their main course and finished off with toffee pudding and custard.
Penguin PR team serving up their meal at the YMCA.
Penguin PR director Simon Burch said: “It was a really great experience for us as a team.
“I would recommend taking part in the YMCA Head High Community Meal to other businesses; it’s good to leave the office every once in a while and great to be giving back to the community.
“We had to show real teamwork in an unfamiliar surroundings to get the food ready and served on time, and I really hope that everyone enjoyed the meal.”
Staff at the YMCA assisted the Penguin team, including Martin Matamoros, who has been working for YMCA Derbyshire for three years.
He initially started in the charity’s kitchen before progressing to become house navigator, meaning that he helps residents to find their own apartment.
He said: “I love the YMCA monthly Community Meal – it’s nice to see so many different people.”
Catherine White, marketing and fundraising manager for YMCA Derbyshire, said: “The idea of the community meal is to serve the people of the community who wouldn’t ordinarily get the chance to go to a restaurant.
“It helps people get the restaurant experience while also encouraging them to socialise with other people too.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to the Penguin PR team for taking part. The day went smoothly and everyone said the food was delicious, and that they really enjoyed it.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Katie Cox on 07464793227 or email katie@penguinpr.co.uk
