Since Covid-19 brought an end to travel to Bali, residents of the popular Indonesian travel destination, bereft of income, have been struggling to buy everyday essentials, such as food, baby formula, nappies and medicine.
Australian company Passage Foods is helping Bali with its initiative, Curry for a Cause, by donating proceeds to the charity group, Yayasan Solemen Indonesia Foundation.
All proceeds of the sale of Curry for a Cause Balinese simmer sauces will go directly to the locals through the foundation, which aims to alleviate extreme poverty by bringing hope and sustainable solutions to those most vulnerable.
“As frequent travellers to the region, we’ve experienced firsthand both the significant contribution Australian tourism has on the Balinese economy, and the harrowing burden on communities when this is threatened. We felt compelled to make a positive difference to a country and destination that is heavily reliant on tourism,” said Simon Bartram, GM at Passage Foods.
Indonesian Government data shows a 7.5-per-cent unemployment rate, but not-for-profit organisations suggest it is much higher, given around 80 per cent of the people rely directly or indirectly on tourism. According to the Indonesian Statistics Agency, there has been an 89-per-cent drop in tourists travelling to Bali due to the lockdown affecting workers such as tourist drivers, hotel staff and restaurant waiters.
“Their economy, built on the dollars of visiting tourists – many from Australia – has been all but wiped out, so this initiative is our way of offering our support, while encouraging everyday Aussies to also get on board and play their part,” said Bartram.
Curry for a Cause Balinese simmer sauce is sold exclusively online and delivered Australia-wide.
