Michelle Doherty is hoping Douglas residents can brighten the future of young East African orphans on October 12, with the young local woman hosting a fundraising African feast at the Port Douglas Community Centre.

Ms Doherty was first inspired by Africa on a visit to Zimbabwe with her dad and brother at age 10. During her next trip, four weeks of camping with partner Troy in 2009, she was introduced to the East African Mission Orphanage (EAMO). EAMO will be one of the two beneficiaries of the African Feast event, along with Familia Moja Children’s Home in Kenya.

“Africa is amazing,” Ms Doherty said. “Unless you’ve been there, it’s hard to explain; when you leave, you take a bit of it with you.”

“You see people with “nothing”, but their smiling faces and generosity make it hard to comprehend. It also makes you realise just how lucky we are to live in a country like Australia; it’s a reality check.”

“I have always wanted to sponsor a child, but was sceptical on how it all works and how much actually get to the people and places. In Kenya, I visited the East African Mission Orphanage and saw firsthand the work they had done and how much help they still needed. I wanted to do more.”

Returning to Australia, the Bachelor of Environmental Health student signed up as sponsor of two EAMO children, Jared Spinks (whose two siblings also live at EAMO) and Benson Murimi. At 13, Benson and his younger siblings were abandoned by their parents. For up to two years, Benson was out of care, and took to begging to keep his family alive. Kenyan police found him, and contacted EAMO. 

As well as sponsorship, Ms Doherty developed the African Feast, using her love for food and cooking as a means to inspire awareness and encourage action. She's quick to explain the African Feast is about hope, not pity.

“It’s a chance for people to get a glimpse into other cultures, try new foods, and realise that every person can make a difference. It’s an unbelievably rewarding experience to see how your contribution can make a huge impact on other people’s lives on the other side of the world, affecting not just individuals but whole communities.”

The event is now in its fourth year, though the October 12 even will be the first in Port Douglas.

Ms Doherty has enlisted some of Port Douglas’ biggest hearts as volunteers, including top resort and restaurant chefs and Port Douglas Catering. Local businesses continue to rally around the event, with prize donations from Quicksilver, Outrageous Fishing Charters, The Habitat, Peppers, Zinc, Finz, Origin, Paddies, Beach Shack, Attitudes, 2 Fish, Blood Orange, Malone's Butchers, and On the Inlet.

Familia Moja co-founder Jess White will be on-hand on the night to speak with guests, and tunes courtesy of Tablelands Reggae outfit Koahlition, a favourite on the roots-rock scene.

“Since living in Port Douglas, I have seen how the community gets behind each other and supports various causes,” Ms Doherty said.

“Although it may only feel like a small contribution on the grand scale of things, every cent makes a difference.”

An African Feast in Port Douglas

When: October 12, 2013

Where: Port Douglas Community Hall

Time: 7pm till 11pm

Cost: $70 per person (tables of 10) – CASH BAR

For more info, contact Michelle Doherty on 0407 782 218 for further information and follow ‘An African Feast in Port Douglas’’ Facebook page.

20 volunteers are needed as floor staff and servers  - please call Michelle ASAP if you can help.