Time in lockdown saw many Melburnians sharpen their culinary skills, but Michelle Cleland’s recent venture into the kitchen culminated in a giving back exercise that took her mother by surprise.
Michelle is a special needs patient at the Casey Dialysis Unit and visits three times a week. During COVID lockdowns, Michelle’s mother, Marie, said that her visits to the dialysis unit were the only outings Michelle was experiencing. Due to her medical conditions, it was too risky to even take Michelle to the supermarket. As a result, Michelle was left with little to occupy her time.
“She was watching too much TV,” says Marie, “so I got her to help me in the kitchen.”
Not having any experience in the kitchen, Marie wasn’t expecting Michelle to develop much interest, but Michelle loved it. With some NDIS funding, they invested in some specialised kitchen equipment to cater for Michelle’s needs.
Marie started photographing and taking short videos of Michelle’s cooking exploits and posting them on Facebook, captioning each one “Michelle’s Kitchen”. Marie would also post the recipe from each episode for friends to try.
“Michelle’s Kitchen” cookbooks have raised $1,350 so far
With Michelle’s perpetual smile and infectious enthusiasm, “Michelle’s Kitchen” was a hit.
“The response was amazing from my friends and family, and everyone made lovely comments and wanted to know what she was cooking next,” says Marie. “It went viral!”
It wasn’t long before Marie had friends and family asking her to compile the popular recipes in a cookbook, as many would scroll back through their Facebook feed looking for past recipes.
Responding to the swelling demand, Marie complied.
“It was a lot of work,” says Marie.
Marie had 20 copies of the aptly titled “Michelle’s Kitchen” printed, all of which sold out immediately. They have since sold another 230 copies.
“We didn’t do it to make money,” says Marie, “so we donated the profit from every sale to the dialysis unit.”
It was a no-brainer for Michelle and Marie to donate the profits back to the Casey Dialysis Unit. Michelle understands that her time at dialysis is crucial for her life, and leaves each session saying to the nurse, “Thanks for saving my life!”
With many buyers paying more than the asking sale price, a total of $850 was donated, and that was just from book one. Due to popular demand, a second cookbook was produced, generating another $500 in profits so far. Michelle has proudly signed every cookbook sold.
Marie and Michelle are no strangers to fundraising for Monash Health. With the assistance of the Berwick Op-Shop, Michelle has previously raised funds through the sale of her handmade greeting cards. Michelle’s previous donations have already contributed to a new ultrasound machine at Casey.
While Marie is certain there will be no cookbook number three, Michelle will continue with her love of making greeting cards, with sale proceeds continuing to go to the Casey Dialysis Unit.
“I want to help them because they’re keeping me alive,” says Michelle.
We thank Michelle and Marie for their incredible and continued efforts in supporting the Monash Health community.
For any fundraising enquiries or ideas, you can get in touch with Monash Health Foundation.
Approved by Danielle Clark