It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially with NRAI initiative, ‘Santa’s Cause’. Spearheaded by the Mumbai Chapter Heads of the National Restaurant Association of India, Rachel Goenka and Pranav Rungta, the initiative entails food packets being distributed on the occasion of Christmas to the less fortunate in association with Khaana Chahiye.

The Khaana Chahiye Foundation supports vulnerable communities including daily wage earners, domestic workers, autorickshaw drivers, stage artists and tribal communities. Through the ‘Santa’s Cause’ initiative, NRAI has rallied numerous Mumbai Chapter member restaurants to conduct a donation drive in their premises and on their social media platforms from December 11 to 21, 2021. The proceeds would go to the Khaana Chahiye Foundation to then be distributed at orphanages, old age homes and slum clusters on December 25.

Rachel Goenka, co-head, said, “This is an initiative that I am honoured to be associated with. Every member of NRAI’s Mumbai Chapter is doing their best to contribute to this cause that gives back to the community as much as possible. It’s the busiest time of the year for our industry and it’s amazing to see this kind of support from the fraternity.”

Several restaurants including The Sassy Spoon, House of Mandarin, Sassy Teaspoon, Chuck E Cheese, INOX Leisure, SodaBottleOpenerWala BKC, Mag St Cafe, Zao Cha House, Tamak, Sforno – Bakehouse & Pizzeria, Blah! BKC, British Brewing Company, Indigo Delicatessen, Farzi Cafe, Cheelizza, Nara Thai, The Little Door, Papa Pancho da Dhaba, Social, Mamagoto, Wow! Momo, Wow! China, Silver Beach Cafe, Nom Nom, Lord of the Drinks, Dragonfly, Diablo, Flying Saucer and Coffee by di Bella are placing tent cards at their venues along with QR codes where donations can be made. While many more are creating awareness through their social media as well.