Fox and Bow Fire Night is here so you can feel good while you feast

Posted on 10 June, 2024

This might just be the biggest food-focused fundraising party Red Hill has ever seen.

Cooking mouthwatering Spanish-inspired dishes over coals with the local community, Canberra hospitality legend Alex Piris will be lighting up the night on Friday 14 June with the Fox and Bow Fire Night at Red Hill, a delicious fundraiser that will make you feel good while you feast.

Raising money for the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Alex will be braving the cold with other leaders in Canberra on Thursday 20 June at Parliament House. Currently at the top of the fundraising leaderboard, this is the third year in a row Alex is participating in the Sleepout – donating just under $40,000 to the charity since 2022.

Aiming to raise $16,000 this year, the Fox and Bow Fire Night is Alex’s way to combining two things he’s passionate about: food and supporting the local community to combat poverty and homelessness.

“If there’s something that you can do to help people, then you probably should. And if it’s something small, like this, it’s just an easy thing to do to raise awareness for Vinnies,” says Alex.

“We’re part of some amazing communities and I think we’ve all realised how lucky we are to be where we are. Farrer and Red Hill are great communities, and they are always generous. They love supporting whatever fundraisers we do.”

Pulling out the grills to cook up a storm, for a donation of $50 per person Alex will keep everyone in attendance at the Fire Night very well fed. And in line with the Fox and Bow ethos of being ‘a little bit Spanish,’ the menu is full of fresh produce that will be grilled to perfection along with his famous Paella.

“We’ll do seafood, some octopus, some ox tongue, and there will be some vegetarian options,” says Alex.

“I don’t think anybody will be hungry, we’ll just keep cooking until they’ve had enough. And that’s all thanks to our suppliers – Alpha Fresh, Go Troppo, and Food Link are donating all of the produce for the evening.”

There will also be drinks available for purchase, live music from Nick Rigby, and (if that’s not enough), a silent auction on the night – with goodies like local art, and a trolley of groceries from Red Hill Supermarket up for grabs – with all proceeds raised going towards Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn.

And while he’s not looking forward to another chilly night exposed to the elements, Alex is thankful for his ability to give back to those who need it most.

“I think it’s really meaningful, especially at the moment when we’re talking about the cost-of-living crisis. There are even more people feeling the pinch, particularly in hospitality. We’re seeing places closing regularly,” says Alex.

“You can’t solve all the world’s problems but if you can do something, and have a little bit of awareness and understanding that we come from a place where we are very lucky, we should try to help out where we can.”

Sipping on a glass of wine while eating delicious food and looking out over the stunning views of the suburb all in the name of charity? It gives you warm and fuzzy feelings in more ways than one.

To attend the Fox and Bow Fire Night, head to the donation page and reference the word ‘Dinner’. From there all you need to do is donate $50 per person and show up hungry.

Can’t make it on the night? You can donate directly to Alex here.

“I think these ‘feel-good’ events give me so much enjoyment. You could always go to a fancy restaurant and pay top dollar, but it’s that connection with the local community that gives me a buzz,” says Alex.

“If we could break that $16,000, wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Feature image: EmmaKennedy.