Some people make the world a better place and today’s faces of the day are two men who do exactly that.
Two men are trying increase the employment rate for disabled people by baking cookies.
The Cookie Project is the only baking company that employs only people with disabilities.
Soon their product will be available nationwide in New World supermarkets, creating dozens more jobs.
It’s a baking business with a difference.
“We are disrupting the employment sector for the disability community – we don’t ask for a resume – we don’t conduct interviews,” says co-owner Eric Chuah
Here at the Cookie Project, everyone gets paid at least minimum wage.
[…] Co-owner Graeme has four adopted children – all of them disabled.
Just over a year ago he was really struggling. He was on the benefit just to survive.
He landed a contract with New World supermarkets that has made the business not just viable, but profitable.
He says it’s “awesome.”
Each package has a personalised QR code. You can scan the back of the packet to find out which bakers made them.
If you like her cookies you can leave the baker a message of encouragement
“Sorry I get really teary about this it’s a very special place for us,” Chuah told Newshub.
Teary because, for the bakers and their parents, it’s more than just making cookies.
Baker Rainier has autism, and his mum says these cookies give him independence.
[…] Rohan, who was born with Achondroplasia a form of dwarfism, says he’s lost count of how many employers have turned him down.
Aimee, has just been promoted to shift manager here but she’s got a big dream – she wants to change to the work force.
“I am now studying culinary arts because I want to open my own cafe to employ people with disabilities,” she told Newshub.
Because to Aimee, “Different is what makes us human”
Jobs at the Cookie Project are now so sought after there’s a waiting list of 50 people wanting in.
You can order their cookies here.
I am very curious about their delicious looking edible cookie cups which won the 2019 Sweet As Hutt Chocolate Challenge. What is not to like about an edible chocolate cup?
I WANT one! ( or two or three…)
