London – The British Asian Trust, in partnership with Deliveroo, Uber Eats, BT and Cobra Beer, has launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to support those most in need across South Asia, as well as rejuvenate the UK’s local takeaway businesses.

The Big Curry Night In, taking place from 22^nd – 31^stMay, will be encouraging the general public to order a curry from their local restaurant or prepare their own curry at home in celebration of the nation’s favourite take away meal. Households can share their meal virtually with loved ones and friends in other households via video calling and social media. The initiative will help support the UK’s restaurant industry during the national health crisis as well as raise vital funds for families struggling in South Asia.

Photo : British Asian Trust
Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of the British Asian Trust, said, “We are delighted to be working with some fantastic partners to launch the first ‘Big Curry Night In’. The nation’s love for curry and South Asian food has a long, established history and is a vital part of the UK’s restaurant and takeaway industry, which has suffered in recent weeks due to the national health crisis. Along with some of our celebrity ambassadors we encourage members of the public to get their orders in or get their favourite recipes out and enjoy their favourite meal at home over the next week and share their experiences with us on social media to help support our fundraising campaign.”

Will Shu, CEO of Deliveroo, said, “It’s with great pride that we are partnering with the British Asian Trust to help raise vital funds for those living in South Asia most affected by this global crisis. While many restaurants have closed, their kitchens remain open for takeaway and delivery. At Deliveroo we are immensely proud to partner with curry houses up and down the country to bring their incredible dishes straight to your door. Join us for The Big Curry Night In and support your local curry houses.”

Toussaint Wattinne, General Manager of Uber Eats in the UK, said, “I am absolutely delighted that Uber Eats is supporting this great campaign. We want to support local businesses up and down the country as they keep their kitchens firing to feed people across the country. This is a great cause and proud to play our part.”

Bas Burger, CEO, Global, BT said, “We are delighted to support this great initiative from the British Asian Trust. Restaurants have been one of the hardest-hit sectors of the UK economy during lockdown and we are very happy to play our part in stimulating takeaways orders while also helping to raise funds for the British Asian Trust COVID-19 Emergency Appeal. BT has a long-standing relationship with India – we’ve been there more than 30 years providing services to some of the world’s largest multi-national organisations. Now millions of people across South Asia face losing everything due to the pandemic and need our support. Curry nights – whether in a restaurant, takeaway or made at home – are a national tradition in the UK and the Big Curry Night In will not only raise funds, but give everyone a chance to share their enjoyment of our country’s favourite dish with friends and family in video calls and on social media.”

Lord Karan Bilimoria, Founder and Chairman of Cobra Beer, said, “In the midst of this global crisis, Cobra Beer is proud to support the British Asian Trust’s Big Curry Night In. It is a wonderful initiative bringing together the curry restaurant industry in the UK, which in spite of suffering so much at this time is rallying together with a true community and collaborative spirit to raise money for the victims of COVID-19 in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is thanks to the curry restaurants present in every corner of the United Kingdom, that curry is the nation’s favourite food. The Big Curry Night In initiative will celebrate this amazing contribution. I would like to thank all the restaurateurs for their efforts in supporting the campaign.”

This is a unique opportunity for the nation to come together to support the struggling hospitality industry in the wake of the national health crisis, whilst at the same time donating to a vital cause that has already received backing from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

On launching the appeal, HRH The Prince of Wales, said, “The current public health crisis is a challenge which confronts us all, in every community and every part of the world. In the United Kingdom I know that the British Asian community is playing a vital role in the response to this crisis. I know that the community is deeply concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of people in South Asia where this pernicious virus and the disruption it causes is having such a profound effect on the lives and livelihoods of millions.”

South Asia is home to 27% of the world’s poorest people with 750 million people surviving on less than $2.50 per day. Now tens of millions of vulnerable families across the region are facing life or death situations because of COVID-19.  The lockdown in India has seen mass migration from the cities to villages. Pakistan’s healthcare system is creaking under the pressure. Bangladesh’s densely populated urban areas and refugee camps are a hotbed for the virus. Sri Lankans are facing yet another threat to their way of life.

With more than 13 years’ experience of being a trusted partner between the British Asian community and supporting great projects in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the British Asian Trust is uniquely placed to run an Emergency Appeal and ensure that donations have the maximum impact.

To participate in The Big Curry Night In from 22nd – 31st May please visit www.bigcurrynightin.com

To view participating restaurants please visit https://www.bigcurrynightin.com/participating-restaurants

Local restaurants are able to sign up at https://www.bigcurrynightin.com/register-your-restaurant