From Storytelling to Cooking

It was Matt Le Nevez and his storytelling zoom workshop that paved the way for my vritual volunteering involvement with PeopleStories.   What an incredible journey so far in the past 7 months and I have so much (warning: teary eyes coming…) to thank Matt for this ‘once in a life time’ experience… making a difference to our world!  
 
You may recognize Matt Le Nevez from Offspring, Love Child, Brock, The Widow, and Absentia, to name just a few.  Mastering the silver screen is not Matt's only passion and we are grateful to have him as our Charity Ambassador bringing greater awareness to the pressing needs of the children in rural Cambodia. 

​Mastering philanthropy seems to come naturally to Matt.  When the opportunity to team up with PeopleStories arose, it was serendipity for Matt and he shared, “Cambodia was one of the first places I ever visited as a young kid and I just think it's a magical place. If you've been there, the people are exceptional, they're the most generous, kind-hearted people that you could possibly meet."  ​

Storytelling is a powerful gift and one of the most useful skills in the corporate world!  Earlier this year, Matt and our founder Victoria hosted a series of Zoom workshops - The Art of Storytelling, to bring awareness to our purpose of empowering the rural Cambodian children complete school. And I was lucky enough to be one of the many participants (still pitching myself!). 
 
Greg McKenna, CEO of Police Bank, once shared after attended the workshop together with his executive team, "When we met Victoria, Matt and the team at PeopleStories, we were blown away by the work they do in Cambodia with the children and the opportunities they were creating."

Matt graciously goes to back PeopleStories, the children and the communities we serve, doing what we can to help break the cycle of poverty.   Being a father of a young daughter and son, Matt sees helping children especially their education has resonated so well with him and said, "…for the charity and for me to be able to reconnect with children there (Cambodia), I can't wait to make a difference!" 

​If you have not heard, Matt is sharpening his cooking talents and competing on Celebrity MasterChef Australia!  Yes, that’s right!  He is taking his talents in storytelling to cooking, and back on Australian TV to satisfy the many fans.   
 
As Matt walking on the red carpet leading to the MasterChef Kitchen, he shared, “I am an actor who likes to cook for his family.  As I am standing in front of the MasterChef building, I realise how much that I have bitten off.  I feel completely out of my comfort zone.” 
 
Don’t worry Matt!  All of us at PeopleStories will be watching and cheering you on!  Our founder Victoria shares her excitement,  "What a privilege for PeopleStories to be the chosen charity of Matt's as he competes on Celebrity MasterChef Australia.  We have full confidence in Matt and wish him all the best!" 

Join us to follow Matt on his MasterChef journey Sunday and Monday evenings (7:30pm) on Channel 10 (or 10play.com.au) 

​You, too, can make a difference by donating your time and talents with PeopleStories, helping children in rural Cambodia transform their lives through quality education. We would love to hear from you!  Email today: [email protected] 

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​Written by: Volunteer Kathy Aunkst ​