FOR THE LOVE OF BREAD ... delivering better support for children, one sandwich at a time. Thank you to the following people and organisations who made this book possible

Our families, supporters and ambassadors who shared their story. Coles and Coles Express for their ongoing support, and their passionate team members who do so much to support Redkite.

Lighthouse Communications Group for campaign ideation and execution. Shelley Liana Jelonek for creative concept and design. Freya’s Nourishment for styling and photography

Finally, thank you to everyone who has chosen to buy a loaf of Coles Own Brand bread to help a family facing their child’s cancer. This book is dedicated to the thousands of families across who are facing,or have faced, a childhood cancer diagnosis.

We've got your back. Preface

What do a cancer support charity and a recipe book have in common?

The connection between cancer and a sandwich isn’t immediately obvious, but for the last six years, five cents from the sale of every loaf of specially marked Coles Own Brand bread has been donated to Redkite, raising millions of dollars to support children with cancer and their families.

Redkite’s partnership with Coles has changed the face of cancer support in Australia, and it’s largely thanks to the unassuming loaf of Coles Own Brand bread, the passionate team who sell it, and the people who buy it. This book is a celebration of the impact this bread and the community have had on cancer support, helping families stay connected and strong as they go through one of the toughest challenges of their lives.

I’m thrilled to share my family’s favourite sandwich and I want to thank everyone who has contributed their story and recipe to make this beautiful book something special, including the families Redkite has supported. I also want to thank Coles, for their unwavering belief that no family should face their child’s cancer alone.

Every sandwich in this recipe book tells a story... stories of courage, hope and love.

I hope you enjoy reading these stories and that they inspire you to make the sandwiches that mean so much to the families who shared them. There is still a long way to go before we can say that Redkite is there for every family facing their child’s cancer. For my family, Coles Own Brand bread is our bread of choice... we love knowing that with every sandwich, we are making a difference. Monique Keighery Redkite CEO

4 Contents sushi sandwich...... P6 brookey’s club sandwich...... P8 brookey’s special fried bread ham cheese toastie...... P10 vegemite and avo smash ...... P12 bumped up B.L.T...... P14 sophie’s special steak sandwich...... P16 chicken lettuce extravaganza...... P18 late-night double-buttered vegemite toastie...... P20 cheesy spaghetti toastie...... P22 chicken schnitzel sandwich...... P24 banana-rama sandwich...... P26 nutty chicken sandwich...... P28 chicken finger sandwich...... P30 the ravwich, the sandling & the springwich...... P32 nutella french toast...... P34 tuna and veggie sushi sandwich...... P36 pimp my chicken avo...... P38 vacation toast...... P40 eat the rainbow...... P42 chicken and pesto combo...... P44

5 Sushi Sandwich

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Sushi Sandwich. The bite-sized portions are super fun to make and serve, especially in school lunches. You can vary the fillings to taste, but my little one’s favourites are lettuce, ham, carrot & cream cheese.

Bernadette Hanley’s story Ingredients CHILDREN’S FOOD BLOGGER 2 slices Coles Own Brand bread, (crusts removed) Childhood cancer isn’t uncommon, and Cream cheese it doesn’t discriminate. Lettuce, ham, grated carrot (or any other Within my circle, our fillings that you prefer) friend’s child was diagnosed with cancer, and there is also a Assemble child at school who is currently facing their 1. Take 2 slices of bread and cut the own battle with this crusts off (tip: freeze the crusts and use illness. These children for breadcrumbs). make up only a small portion of the thousands of 2. Spread each slice of bread with Aussie kids that are diagnosed each year. cream cheese. Even though I have witnessed childhood cancer in my own life, I’m still surprised – and concerned 3. At the end of the slices of bread – with how prevalent it is. As a Mum of three, I can closest to you, layer the lettuce, ham certainly relate to the devastation you would feel and carrot. finding out your child has a life-threatening illness, 4. Roll the slice of bread up from the and what a challenge that would present to your edge nearest to you to the edge family. furtherest from you as you would with Given that Redkite rely entirely on community sushi. You may need to use some donations to be able to do what they do, it’s crucial extra cream cheese to seal the that we show them our support so that they can sandwich sushi. continue to provide essential services to those around us – whether it be our friends, or even a 5. Cut each roll into thirds and enjoy. family at school. For those that are facing a diagnosis: from my family to yours, we wish you strength for your journey.

“CHILDHOOD CANCER ISN'T UNCOMMON, AND IT DOESN'T DISCRIMINATE.”

6 7 Brookey's Club Sandwich

Our ultimate feel-good sandwiches are Brooke’s favourites – a Club Sandwich and a Special Toastie. We can’t pick which one we love most, so you’ll just have to try them both and decide for yourself.

Olivia, Karl and Brooke’s story - part 1 Ingredients “Your daughter has a 12 slices of Coles Own Brand bread brain tumour and has 4 slices of streaky bacon between two and five years to live.” ½ an avocado That was the reality 2 tspn lime juice that we faced when ½ cup mayonnaise our daughter Brooke 12 iceberg lettuce leaves had just turned two. We found ourselves 3 small tomatoes thinly sliced sitting in the children’s 150g shaved turkey breast hospital, trying to figure out why she was having troubles sleeping and vomiting through the night. Assemble After three years of treatments, scans and surgeries, 1. Place bacon in a frypan cook over our life had just begun to settle when Brooke’s medium heat until crispy. tumour reappeared. There is nothing in this world 2. Put avocado and lime juice in a small that can prepare you for a cancer diagnosis, let alone two. bowl and combine until smooth. Our Redkite Social Worker was with us throughout 3. Spread the mayonnaise over 1 side of our entire journey. They were a shoulder to lean on all the bread slices. Take 4 slices of when we needed someone to talk to, and a helping bread and spread ½ the avocado hand through the rollercoaster of everyday life. mixture on them, top with half of the Even when Brooke was in remission, life was lettuce, tomato, turkey and bacon. never ‘normal’. But she stayed engaged with her Put 1 slice of bread with mayonnaise friends, was active at school, and was passionate on the top of each sandwich. Spread about baking. the top side of bread with a little mayonnaise. Then repeat the avocado, lettuce, tomato, turkey and bacon. Place the last 4 slices of bread spread with the mayonnaise side down on the “There is nothing in top of the filling. this world that can prepare you for a 4. Use a serrated bread knife to cut the club sandwich in half. cancer diagnosis.”

8 9 Brookey's Special Fried Bread Ham Cheese Toastie

Olivia, Karl and Brooke’s story - part 2 Ingredients A couple of years later, 8 slices thick white Coles Own Brand bread Brooke was diagnosed ½ cup grated cheese with cancer for a third time – it was just like ½ cup grated Gruyere cheese the day when she was 80g softened butter plus 20g extra two years old. 100g shaved leg ham Brooke lost her battle 1 tbsp plain flour at just 15 years old. Again, Redkite were ¾ cup milk there by our side. We’re now ready to move into the next phase of our Assemble life and we want to raise awareness of children’s 1. Combine all cheese in a bowl. Set cancer. Contributing to this book is medicine for us. aside ¼ cup of cheese for sauce. By sharing Brooke’s story, we keep her memory alive. Brooke never gave up hope, and neither will we. Lightly butter bread. Set 4 slices aside. As your kids go to school, we ask that you try Place ham and cheese on 4 slices. making one of Brooke’s special sandwiches for Then sandwich the remaining 4 slices lunch in celebration of Redkite and the work they do of bread together. Butter the outside of to support families just like ours. the bread. 2. Melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over a low heat, gradually adding the flour and milk. Stir the mixture until it boils and thickens. Remove from heat and add remaining “We ask that cheese. Stir until cheese melts. you try making one of Brooke's special 3. Preheat a large frypan over a low heat. Place 2 sandwiches in the pan sandwiches for lunch at once. Cook for 2 ½ minutes on each in celebration of Redkite side or until golden, and the cheese has and the work they melted. Place aside on an oven tray and do to support families repeat with the last 2 sandwiches. just like ours.” 4. Preheat grill. Place the 4 sandwiches on the oven tray. Top with the cheese sauce. Grill for 2 minutes or until the cheese sauce is bubbling and starting to brown. Cut in half and serve. 10 11 Vegemite & Avo Smash

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Vegemite & Avo Smash. I love it as a treat for myself. While I always get questions asked and eyebrows raised when I’m out and about eating it at a café, it’s a must try – you will not be disappointed!

Harry Cunningham’s story Ingredients REDKITE AMBASSADOR 2 slices Coles Own Brand wholegrain bread I’ve lost both my Butter Grandfather and Vegemite Uncle to cancer. While I was lucky enough to Avocado share many years and memories with them before their passing, Assemble it’s sad to think that 1. Toast the bread, then spread on some not all families facing butter and vegemite. cancer can say the same. 2. Crush/smash and spread the avocado My career at the Swans and my work with evenly on top of the vegemite and Redkite has really opened my eyes to the harsh enjoy the masterpiece. reality that the thousands of children and their families face each year when trying to navigate their way through the cancer maze. But with all the kids and parents I’ve met, the one thing that has stuck out to me is their strength and bravery despite their adversity. I am always left in awe by their spirit; it makes me truly appreciate life and every moment I have with my loved ones. Through this initiative, I hope that we can start much-needed conversations about the impact of childhood cancer on those around us. By simply talking to friends or colleagues about this book, we can open up the dialogue and raise awareness of this hideous disease to help families during what is without a doubt the worst time of their lives.

“Through this initiative, I hope that we can start much-needed conversations about the impact of childhood cancer on those around us.”

12 13 Bumped Up B.L.T

Our ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Bumped Up B.L.T. It was made famous in our household as it was the only thing that all the kids loved – a complete rarity. This B.L.T. is the ultimate crowd pleaser. You’ll get it once you try it.

Wayne Mott & Ingredients Thomas Walsh’s story 2 slices multigrain Coles Own Brand bread MEDIA PERSONALITIES 4 strips smokey or naturally cured bacon Just seven 2 tbsp mayonnaise years ago, Wayne found 1 tspn dijon mustard a pea-sized 3 - 4 basil leaves lump under his 2 - 3 leaves baby cos lettuce arm. Three- months later 2 - 4 thick slices ripe tomato it turned into Salt and ground black pepper the size of a grapefruit. When he Assemble eventually got it checked out, a biopsy found that the lump had stolen an artery. 1. Place your BBQ or frying pan over medium-low He was immediately rushed into surgery heat. Add bacon, flattening it as it cooks. Cook and thankfully had the lymphoma removed until lightly browned, then flip. Continue cooking before it had a chance to develop into until bacon is browned on both sides and fat anything further. has rendered. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate. Our story is one of luck… Sadly, not all families facing a diagnosis 2. Smear a thin layer of Dijon-laced mayonnaise can say the same. As fathers of three on each slice of bread, then sear them on only children who have ridden the cancer wave 1 side in bacon fat over medium-low heat, ourselves, we want to do anything we can until evenly browned on first side. to help other families with children in a time 3. Lay toasted bread on a work surface. Divide of need, even if it is through something as lettuce leaves evenly between pieces of bread. simple as looking for the red kite on our next bread run. 4. Layer tomato slices on 1 piece of bread, add For those that are bearing the burden of basil leaves and sprinkle with salt and pepper. childhood cancer, our advice would be to 5. Break bacon slices in half and layer them onto find your support network and reach out to the sandwich in 2 layers of 3 half slices each, them. Don’t ever feel like you’re alone. There alternating the orientation of bacon in each are always people who are willing to listen layer for more structural stability. Close and help – this book is living proof! sandwich and cut in half diagonally.

“FIND YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK AND REACH OUT TO THEM. DON'T EVER FEEL LIKE YOU'RE ALONE.” 14 15 Sophie's Special Steak Sandwich

Our ultimate feel-good sandwich is Sophie’s Special Steak Sandwich. When Sophie was on steroids as part of her treatment, she developed a craving for steak sandwiches – this is her favourite version!

Sophie and Christine’s story This is Sophie’s preferred version, but adding lettuce, tomato, beetroot and When our daughter grated carrot adds a colourful twist to this Sophie was just six, she was sadly protein-packed sandwich. diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Ingredients Leukaemia. We had 2 slices of Coles Own Brand bread no idea what lay ahead of us, or how 1 slice of steak close we would Tomato sauce come to losing our little girl. Assemble It was very tough juggling the emotional impact of Sophie’s diagnosis with the practical challenges 1. Take two slices of Coles Own Brand of long hospital stays and other family and work multigrain bread (Sophie’s favourite commitments. When it felt like life couldn’t get any for this recipe). harder, a Redkite Social Worker reached out. 2. Grill, BBQ or pan fry a piece of steak Redkite were like our security blanket that helped (thin cuts work better in a sandwich) us feel at home away from home; that help didn’t to your preference – well-done, stop when we left the hospital. They helped medium or rare. ease the pain of a cancer diagnosis and helped keep life as “normal” as possible during such an 3. Transfer the steak straight to the abnormal time. There is no greater gift we could bread, add a generous squeeze of have received from Redkite than their ongoing tomato sauce, top with the other slice. comfort and support – all of which wouldn’t be 4. Enjoy! possible without the generosity of the community.

“REDKITE WERE LIKE OUR SECURITY BLANKET THAT HELPED US FEEL AT HOME AWAY FROM HOME; THAT HELP DIDN'T STOP WHEN WE LEFT THE HOSPITAL.”

16 Sophie's Special Steak Sandwich

17 Chicken Lettuce Extravaganza

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Chicken Lettuce Extravaganza. It’s packed with all the good things in life – chicken and mayo – and is a guaranteed winner. Well, I know my darling Mum would have approved!

Yvie Jone’s story Ingredients MEDIA PERSONALITY 2 slices Coles Own Brand bread Unfortunately, BBQ chicken (thighs or underside cancer has taken preferred) in shredded pieces the lives of many of Iceberg lettuce – shredded my family members – my eight-year-old Mayo cousin and my Mum 1 stem of shallot included. Salt and pepper I know just how tough those days Butter can be when ½ a lemon you’re sitting in the ward wondering what happens next. But I want those families that are in that situation to remember there are also wonderful days just Assemble in reach. Take each day at a time and be grateful 1. Take 2 slices of bread and for every moment together. butter both (don’t use margarine! Has This book is so important to keeping the cancer to be real butter, you won’t regret it). dialogue open… 2. Put shredded chicken into a bowl, add People need to be made aware of the everyday 2 big tablespoons of mayo, cut up struggles that families face when their child has shallots, salt and pepper and the juice cancer, not just so they can donate, but so they of a ½ a lemon. can also know how to support their friends or family who are going through their own cancer 3. Mix really well in the bowl. journey. 4. Spread onto one slice of bread. This Redkite and Coles initiative is just one of the 5. Place the shredded lettuce on top. many ways you can show your support. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a family that you know 6. Place other buttered slice on top and is going through a rough patch, because even push down gently. the smallest of acts can make their day a little brighter. 7. Cut in half and enjoy!

“TAKE EACH DAY AT A TIME AND BE GRATEFUL FOR EVERY MOMENT TOGETHER.” 18 Chicken Lettuce Extravaganza

19 Late-Night Double-Buttered Vegemite Toastie

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Late-Night Double-Buttered Vegemite Toastie. It takes me back to boarding school – a time when I was young, and anything was possible. Us girls used to line up in the kitchen, make our toasties, share our stories, dream of our futures and laugh until we cried.

Rachael Coope’s story Ingredients ACTOR, WRITER, PLAYSCHOOL PRESENTER 2 slices Coles Own Brand bread Cancer touches Butter everyone in some Vegemite capacity. For me, I’ve had close family and friends take on the battle, some Assemble now thankfully in 1. Take 2 pieces of bread and butter remission while both sides of each generously with others fought margarine. Spread vegemite on fearlessly and lost, 1 side. now no longer with us. 2. Put in a toasting iron like the old These experiences have taught me just how school Breville. fragile life is. It has grown my complete respect and compassion for families who are taking on their own battle with cancer. What incredible warriors they are, especially children and carers – they are my heroes. Ask any parent and they will tell you how challenging parenthood can be, let alone adding in the unfathomable devastation of receiving the news that your child has cancer. No parent should have to worry about whether “NO PARENT SHOULD or not they’ll outlive their child. HAVE TO WORRY I’m grateful that remarkable charities like ABOUT WHETHER Redkite exist to help these families during their OR NOT THEY'LL most vulnerable of times. By making a small OUTLIVE THEIR CHILD.” purchasing decision on an everyday household staple like bread, we can all make our own contribution to lighten the load for those that need it most.

20 21 Cheesy Spaghetti Toastie

Our ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Cheesy Spaghetti Toastie. The cheese we use? Well it’s “Colby” of course!

Colby and Kim’s story Ingredients Back in 2010, our 7 2 slices of Coles Own Brand bread year old son Colby 1 slice of cheese (Colby preferred was diagnosed cause it melts perfectly!) with Acute Lymphoblastic A small tin of spaghetti Leukaemia. Cracked pepper He endured 505 straight days in hospital before Assemble he was finally 1. Assemble toastie by placing the discharged. From cheese slice on the bread then that very first day, Redkite were there for our family with emotional, financial and essential topping with spaghetti, add some support. cracked pepper and top with another slice of bread. Redkite helped navigate us through that very first night and many more to follow. They supported 2. Cook in a jaffle maker or sandwich us through all the highs, lows and never-ending press (if using a sandwich press, it treatments that are part of a cancer journey. may spill out the sides a little).

After 20 long months in hospital, Colby was 3. Enjoy! finally well enough to return home. Redkite really helped us ease back into a “normal” life, with education support for Colby who missed three full years of school, and emotional support for “REDKITE HELPED the entire family. Nearly ten years later, we still NAVIGATE US THROUGH feel the love from Redkite and are eternally THAT VERY FIRST grateful. NIGHT AND MANYMORE None of this would have been possible if it weren’t TO FOLLOW. THEY for the generosity of the community. I am forever thankful that Redkite, the Coles team and their SUPPORTED US THROUGH customers have banded together in support of ALL THE HIGHS, LOWS families just like mine. It truly has changed our AND NEVER-ENDING lives and so many other families just like ours. TREATMENTS THATARE PART OF A CANCER JOURNEY.”

22 23 Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Chicken Schnitzel sandwich. It always puts a smile on my kids’ faces, especially when they’re homemade. It’s the type of sandwich you eat for dinner in front of the telly with your family on a Sunday night – pure happiness!

Steph de Sousa’s story This recipe makes several sandwiches, but you MASTER CHEF CONTESTANT can reduce the quantities to make one or a few. I’ve lost both my Father Ingredients and Nanna to 1 loaf Coles Own Brand bread cancer, so I’ve 10 skinless chicken thighs seen firsthand 1 carton of buttermilk how incredibly tough it can be 4 cups bread crumbs on all aspects Zest of 3 lemons (optional) of life. The most 1 tbsp each of fresh thyme and rosemary leaves difficult part (optional) would have to be the mental and emotional toll – not just on 2 cups plain flour the person diagnosed, but the entire family. Shredded iceberg lettuce No one prepares for cancer, so you start that Salt journey with no idea what you’re doing. A Olive oil lot of the stress stems from the unknowns of having a love one diagnosed, like how long Assemble will they spend in hospital? What treatment do they need? When will they get better? 1. Place chicken thighs between 2 pieces of It’s overwhelming, and I can imagine only baking paper and bash with a rolling pin or amplified when a child lies at the center of it. mallet to flatten slightly. The only guarantee is that at each step of 2. Pour buttermilk into a bowl with salt and mix. the way, there is a community of people 3. Add the chicken thighs to the buttermilk, cover around for comfort and encouragement. and pop in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Whether it be friends and family, colleagues 4. Place the flour and a heaped teaspoon of and neighbours, or organisations like Redkite – no child and their parent salt on a plate and mix. has to navigate the cancer maze on 5. Combine the breadcrumbs, lemon zest, herbs their own. and heaped teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. So, if I could say only one thing to those 6. Take each thigh out of the buttermilk and roll families battling childhood cancer – or any in flour. life-threatening illness – it would be to reach 7. Then, one at a time, dip the flour covered out and ask for help. Don’t feel afraid or embarrassed. You don’t need to do this on thigh back in the buttermilk. Make sure it is your own, because we have your back. fully covered. 24 8. Now dip thighs into the bread crumb mixture Kewpie Mayonnaise and give it a good press to ensure the 1 egg and 1 egg yolk crumbs are stuck to the chicken. 1 small clove of garlic 9. Place flat on a tray and stack them with a 1 tspn Dijon mustard piece of baking paper between each layer. 1/2 tspn of Dashi powder 10. Chill for 1 hour. 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 11. In a frying pan, pour enough olive oil to 350ml olive oil cover the base and heat on high until the oil starts to shimmer. Assemble 12. Place 2 to 3 schnitzel’s in the pan at a time. 1. Crack an eggsinto the base of a stick After 1 minute, reduce the heat to medium blender canister. Add the Dijon mustard, and cook until nice and brown on both sides Dashi powder, garlic and vinegar. 2. Add the oil. Blend for a few seconds and slowly raise the blender up through the oil, “NO ONE PREPARES FOR allowing it to blend as it moves. Keep CANCER, SO YOU START going until the oil is combined and the THAT JOURNEY WITH mix is creamy. NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE 4. Toast bread, spread with mayonnaise, DOING.” place a schnitzel on 1 slice, add lettuce and add a slice of bread on top. 25 Banana-Rama Sandwich

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Banana-Rama Sandwich. It’s quick, easy, healthy and always a winner – even with the adults!

Stephanie Menegakis’s story Ingredients BLOGGER 2 slices Coles Own Brand bread Before I was a 1 banana stay at home Butter Mum of three, I was a primary Peanut butter school teacher Honey – so I know just how tough it can be managing little ones Assemble amongst the 1. Butter both slices of bread. ups and downs of everyday life. 2. Slice banana and place on 1 slice of bread evenly. Whether it’s packing lunches, helping out with homework or scrambling to school 3. Add peanut butter and honey to the pick-up, being a parent leaves little time to other slice of bread. just relax and enjoy life with your kids. 4. Close sandwich, and enjoy! Now imagine adding cancer into the whirlwind. Instead of packing lunches, it’s living off hospital food; instead of helping out with homework, it’s trying to catch up on weeks of schooling in between treatment; and instead of scrambling to school pick- up, it’s rushing to hospital for midnight emergencies. I urge others to take initiative and lend a hand to anyone they know that may have a “ORGANISATIONS LIKE child with cancer. Offer to bring them dinner, REDKITE HELP THOSE take them out for a family fun day, or even FAMILIES IN NEED AND help other children in the family with sporting BRING SOME JOY INTO and school events. THEIR LIVES.” If you’re strapped for time, something as simple as purchasing the Coles Own Brand bread on your next grocery shop can help organisations like Redkite help those families in need and bring some joy into their lives. Every act of kindness counts. 26 27 Nutty Chicken Sandwich

Our ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Nutty Chicken Sandwich. It has such a light and fresh flavour about it, with a crisp and crunchy texture, giving you that true summer feeling. The best part about it is that it’s so versatile; you can serve it as a gourmet sandwich on a party platter, or completely devour it on your own. One thing for sure is that anyone who tries this sandwich always comes back for more!

Simone and Hayden’s story This recipe makes several sandwiches, but you can reduce the quantities to Our son Hayden make one or a few. was diagnosed with a brain tumour back in 2015 when Ingredients he was five. Looking 1 loaf of Coles Own Brand bread back on our cancer 3 cups of finely chopped cooked chicken journey, the one thing that stands 2 celery sticks out is Redkite. With 4 tbsp mayonnaise (you can add mustard every roadblock or garlic aioli) we hit and every victory we celebrated, Redkite were walking right 1/2 cup of almonds finely chopped beside us. Unless you’ve lived the experience, it’s difficult Assemble to understand the extent to which childhood cancer impacts a family. Children fall behind 1. Combine all the filling into a on weeks, months and even years’ worth of large bowl. education to make way for cancer treatment; parents are forced to cut back on work hours – 2. Butter the bread and spread a layer or resign – to take care of their child; and families of the filling (to your liking). often skip meals or sell items to afford petrol 3. You can add another layer of bread or pay a household bill. Redkite were with us and filling and finish with a slice of through all those struggles. They really did help bread (triple decker). us stay afloat. I want other families that are facing a childhood 4. Cut the sandwiches to suit the cancer diagnosis to know that they don’t have to occasion (For a gourmet face it alone, despite what they may feel. There style, slice off the crusts, is a whole community out there that wants to cut into triangles or show their support in any way they can, and this ribbons and arrange initiative is a clear symbol of that. on a platter).

“WITH EVERY ROADBLOCK WE HIT AND EVERY VICTORY WE CELEBRATED, REDKITE WERE WALKING RIGHT BESIDE US.” 28 29 Chicken Finger Sandwich

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Chicken Finger sandwich. It’s absolutely packed with flavour, and my go-to when I have friends over or just want to treat myself to something yummy.

Kylie Fraser’s story This recipe makes several sandwiches, but you can reduce the quantities to BLOGGER make one or a few. Within just four months of each Ingredients other, my little family lost two very 1 loaf of Coles Own Brand bread special members 3 cup cooked chicken, finely chopped, of ours to cancer I usually buy a BBQ Chicken from the – Nanny Pam supermarket, and I also mix the stuffing in. and Poppy Brian. 4 green onions (scallions), finely chopped Those few months really opened 1/2 cup roasted walnuts, finely chopped my eyes to just 3 stalks celery, leafy ends cut off, and stalks how precious life is, and how we should finely chopped appreciate every moment we have with 1/2 cup mayonnaise our friends and family while we’ve got the chance. 1/3 cup sour cream Cancer is such a horrible disease for anyone but thinking about a child with cancer is Assemble indescribable. 1. Put chicken, stuffing, onion, walnuts, As a Mum of two, it’s heartbreaking to know that celery, mayonnaise and sour cream there are kids all around the world who spend into a large bowl, mix the ingredients their days fighting for their life rather than living together with a spoon. it – cancer doesn’t discriminate. I take thanks that through organisations like 2. Butter bread and spread half the Redkite and initiatives like this, those children chicken mixture on bread, then top and their parents are able to receive all the with another slice of bread. love and support they need to pull through to a 3. Use a serrated bread knife to cut the brighter day. Whether it be a little extra financial crusts off the sandwiches, cutting assistance, or a whole lot of group support, any each sandwich into four triangles. help that we can extend to these families makes a world of difference.

“WHETHER IT BE A LITTLE EXTRA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, OR A WHOLE LOT OF GROUP SUPPORT, ANY HELP THAT WE CAN EXTEND TO THESE FAMILIES MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE.” 30 31 The Ravwich, The Sandling & The Springwich

I have three ultimate feel-good sandwiches – the Ravwich, the Sandling, and the Springwich. They’re essentially sandwich hybrids of some of my favourite foods, tailored to the little ones.

George Georgievski’s story This recipe makes several sandwiches, but you can reduce the quantities to CHILDREN’S FOOD BLOGGER make one or a few. When I was on the verge of adulthood, my Dad passed Ingredients away from lung 1 loaf Coles Own Brand bread cancer. Losing my Fillings of choice (cheese, ham, Father taught me chicken etc.) so many lessons Butter or margarine spread of choice that have made me truly appreciate the Assemble - The Ravwich life I have now. The number one lesson? 1. Take 2 slices of bread and flatten them with a pin roller. Family is everything. As a Dad of two beautiful daughters, I can not 2. Place your ingredients on 1 slice of stress enough how important it is for parents flattened bread, making sure they are to treasure the moments they have with their bundled into four separate corners of children, because these are the years they will the bread. remember forever. 3. Take your second slice of flattened It’s heartbreaking to know that not all families have bread and place it on top of the first the luxury of spending quality time with their kids; once you have added your ingredients there are thousands of families stuck in oncology wards right now, dreaming of better days and 4. Use a ravioli cutter to cut the sandwich struggling to meet the financial strain placed into four squares. on them through the commitments associated 5. Trim the edges of each individual with cancer. square to complete the ravioli look. That’s why it’s so important that as a community we are aware of childhood cancer and the effect it can have on those around us. I urge everyone to donate as much as they can afford, even if it is through something as simple as your everyday “FAMILY IS bread purchase, to help Redkite help others, so that these families can spend less time focusing EVERYTHING.” on hefty hospital bills and more time treasuring the moments with their children. 32 Assemble - The Sandling Assemble - The Springwich 1. Use a round cookie cutter to cut a 1. Flatten 1 slice of bread with a pin roller. circle out of 1 slice of bread. 2. Place your ingredients of choice in the 2. Flatten the round slice with a pin roller center of the flattened bread.

3. Cup the round slice in your hand and 3. Fold the left and right side of your fill with ingredients of choice. flattened bread towards the middle slightly (1cm). 4. Fold the round slice in half to create a semi-circle, with the filling inside. 4. Roll your flattened bread from front to back with your hands to create a 5. Press down on the open edges of the simple spring roll. semi-circle to create a dumpling. 33 Nutella French Toast

Our ultimate feel-good sandwich is Nutella French toast, because we all need a treat now and then... especially on “those” days. It is quick, easy and so good!

Kerrilee and Tamlin’s story Ingredients When Tamlin was 4 slices Coles Own Brand bread just 13, a bruise 1 egg with a lump under it appeared on 1 tbsp milk her leg. It didn’t go 1 tspn maple syrup away for 14 months. Nutella We were told it wasn’t cancer and Pinch of cinnamon not to worry about it. That was until Tamlin bumped Assemble the lump, and it ruptured. A few weeks later, 1. Pre-heat the sandwich maker. she became one of only three children in Australia to be diagnosed with Blastic 2. Whisk up 1 egg with a splash of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm – an milk (about 1/2 an eggshell’s worth), exceptionally rare and aggressive form of a little maple syrup and a pinch of blood cancer. cinnamon. To be honest… Having a child with a rare cancer 3. Generously spread Nutella onto one is extremely confusing and isolating. side of a slice of bread. It’s really confronting when a doctor doesn’t know how to help your child. Luckily, we were 4. Carefully dip both sides of the bread introduced to Redkite. They’ve always been into the egg mix. there for us, even now that Tamlin is in remission. 5. Put into hot toasted sandwich No matter is ever too big or too small for them to maker and cook tackle. until golden. I’m in awe of the way that the community supports Redkite through campaigns like this. 6. ENJOY! It makes me feel better to know that we have people behind us. A heartfelt thank you is the only thing I can say. Their support leaves me lost for words.

“IT'S REALLY CONFRONTING WHEN A DOCTOR DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD. LUCKILY, WE WERE INTRODUCED TO REDKITE. THEY'VE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR US, EVEN NOW THAT TAMLIN IS IN REMISSION.” 34 35 Tuna & Veggie Sushi Sandwich

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Tuna and Veggie Sushi Sandwich. It’s quick and easy to make, is the perfect sized bite, and is rolled into a sushi, which always gets people smiling – especially the little ones.

Kylie Archer’s story Ingredients CHILDREN’S FOODS BLOGGER 2 slices wholemeal Coles Own Brand bread, crusts removed After losing my 1 95 gram tin of tuna in springwater, drained Father to cancer, 1 tbsp mayonnaise I also know that it can be extremely 1/4 red capsicum, sliced thinly tough for those Alfalfa sprouts families on their cancer journey to feel as though Assemble they can reach out for support when 1. Flatten the bread slices with a going through such rolling pin. a challenging time. 2. Combine the tuna with the I used to be a classroom teacher, so I know just mayonnaise, mix well. how important it is for children to have a filling and nutritious lunch to keep them going through 3. Put the tuna mix along the edge of the day. But, as a Mum of two kids aged 9 and 7 – each bread slice. I also understand that getting that healthy lunch 4. Top with the capsicum slices and the into lunchboxes each day can be tough. alfalfa sprouts. Throw childhood cancer into the mix, and I can only imagine that finding time to make your 5. Roll and secure with a toothpick. family a healthy feed can be near impossible 6. ENJOY! when there’s more important things on your mind. So, my advice is: don’t wait for them to reach out. If a family you know is facing a child with cancer – or any adversity for that matter – whip them “IT'S SURPRISING up a batch of your favourite meal, order them a HOW MUCH YOU CAN round of groceries for the week, or make them snack packs for long hospital stays. It’s surprising BRIGHTEN SOMEONE'S DAY how much you can brighten someone’s day AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT and show your support through a simple act of THROUGH A SIMPLE ACT kindness, and what better way to do that than OF KINDNESS.” through food.

36 37 Pimp My Chicken Avo

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Pimp My Chicken Avo. Everyone loves a chicken and avocado sandwich, but this one is just a little more decadent than your everyday version. I came across it years ago from my great friend’s Mother-in-law, and since then I’ve tweaked it to make it my own.

Kate Korber’s story This recipe makes several sandwiches, but you can reduce the quantities to make one BLOGGER or a few. Almost everyone knows someone Ingredients than has been touched by cancer. 1 loaf Coles Own Brand bread Personally, I’ve lost 1 shredded roast chicken many to the disease; my Grandmother 5 tbsp of mayonnaise (Thomy is my when I was just 16 favourite) years old; my Uncle 1 tbsp of sour cream five years ago; and 2 diced avocados my Father-in-law three years ago. Cancer unfortunately knows no 2 diced celery sticks barrier to age, gender, race or religion. 1 small packet of pistachio nuts finely As a Mum of two and a primary school teacher chopped of 17 years, I want to do anything that I can to help families through each terrifying stage of a childhood cancer diagnosis. I know it’s common Assemble for people to wonder how they can help a family 1. Mix until combined and spoon onto that’s doing it tough, but it’s important to know that gestures don’t have to be grand. Even the white bread. Cut into lovely ribbon smallest actions matter. sandwiches, or simply have it on two slices. Delicious! It’s incredible that just by using Coles Own Brand bread for school lunches or Summer picnics, we can help provide critical assistance to the families doing it tough. Our weekly bread run isn’t something we usually put much thought into, but for a family whose child has cancer, that shopping trip can be truly life changing.

“I WANT TO DO ANYTHING THAT I CAN TO HELP FAMILIES THROUGH EACH TERRIFYING STAGE OF A CHILDHOOD CANCER DIAGNOSIS.” 38 39 Vacation Toast

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is what I like to call Vacation Toast. When I first tried it at a local café, it absolutely blew my mind. I was at first very reluctant and hesitant, thinking the combination was very odd, but I quickly realised it deserves all the praise it receives – just try it and you’ll understand.

Elodie’s story Ingredients When I was 19, I was 2 slices Coles Own Brand bread diagnosed with a Natural peanut butter (crunchy is best, but if brain tumour the you’re a smooth person – go for it!) size of an orange. Tomato (it’s ideal with quite ripe tomatoes Even though I because you get the juiciness, but it’s all was surrounded good) by all my friends Fresh basil and family, I found those few months Roasted peanuts in hospital to be my Salt, pepper and olive oil loneliest. A few years after my diagnosis, I began volunteering in the youth cancer space, which Assemble brought me to Redkite. I learned how much 1. Grab your 2 slices of bread. Lather support is out there for young people like myself. generously with peanut butter of From education and group support, through to choice. music therapy and book clubs, Redkite helps kids in hospital feel safe and ordinary. 2. Cover with your fresh slices of tomato.

Almost ten years on, following surgery and 3. Place as many or as little basil leaves countless sessions of radiation therapy, I’ve on top. Sprinkle some roasted peanuts relapsed at 27 years old. I’m 28 now and still on top. Salt and pepper to taste. living life – spending time with my best friends and exploring the local art scene – only now, 4. Drizzle olive oil on top to finish off I work at a law firm that has been a long-term and cook until golden. supporter of Redkite. I truly love that I can be involved in the work Redkite does, not just in a professional sense but in a personal one, through incredible initiatives “IT'S GREAT THAT like this book! It’s great that I’m able to give I'M ABLE TO GIVE something back to Redkite and to young kids SOMETHING BACK TO with cancer, because I know exactly how dark REDKITE AND TO YOUNG those times can be. KIDS WITH CANCER, BECAUSE I KNOW EXACTLY HOW DARK THOSE TIMES CAN BE.” 4040 41 Eat the Rainbow

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is called Eat the Rainbow. When I’m not feeling well or I’m down, comfort food is my go-to. By having something colourful and nutritious, like this sandwich, it automatically lifts my spirits and makes me feel good.

Kristie Murphy’s story Ingredients REDKITE 1 loaf Coles Own Brand bread Cancer certainly 1 large Portobello mushroom per sandwich has touched my Pesto family in too many ways. I have loved Olive oil ones and friends Hummus who have beaten Cos lettuce cancer, and sadly there are others Alfalfa sprouts who haven’t – my Grated carrot Step Mum, Aunty Tomato – sliced and Cousin to name a few. The one thing I have realised through each Avocado – thinly sliced of these passing’s is that there is always hope Red cabbage – shredded and people out there that are willing to be there for you. It’s comforting to know that organisations like Assemble Redkite provide that same support I received 1. Drizzle the mushroom with pesto thinned to the young children and their families that slightly with a little olive oil. are bearing the burden of a cancer diagnosis. It’s something that no one should have to 2. Panfry or grill the mushroom for a few face alone. minutes on either side, remove from the I am so proud to be a part of this book; It’s like a heat while assembling the sandwich. clap back to a disease that has taken so many 3. It’s all about the layering now! Have all your loved ones away from me, and a way of showing vegetables shredded, grated and sliced. cancer that it doesn’t have the upper hand. That these children and families have so much 4. Spread the hummus over the bread. love and support to be able to pull them through to brighter days. 5. Start with the lettuce, lay over the hummus lathered bread. Then layer on sliced avocado, followed by the alfalfa. Top this with the grated carrot, then the cabbage “THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE and tomato. AND PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT ARE WILLING TO BE 6. Place the mushroom on top of the tomato, top with more avocado and sprouts before THERE FOR YOU.” adding the top slice of bread and tucking in.

42 43 Chicken and Pesto Combo

My ultimate feel-good sandwich is a Chicken and Pesto Combo. It’s a family favourite, because it’s quick and easy, as there’s no cooking involved – all the ingredients come from the pantry or fridge!

Monique Keighery’s story Ingredients REDKITE CEO 2 slices Coles Own Brand multigrain bread Like most people, Breast of a BBQ chicken (skin removed) I personally know the devastation 1 tbsp mayonnaise of cancer and its Small dollop of pesto, to taste (if you like pesto, lifelong impacts. then use a big dollop) My life was put on hold for a year and 3 semi-dried tomatoes a half as I cared Handful of rocket for my beloved Mum when she was diagnosed Assemble with terminal cancer in her 50s. I still feel her loss today and every day. 1. Shred the BBQ chicken breast.

I see the heartbreaking impacts of cancer every 2. Mix the mayonnaise and pesto day in my work. I have met hundreds of families together. over the years who have shared their stories of childhood cancer, making me determined to 3. Add the shredded chicken to the increase funds and awareness of Redkite so we pesto mayo and mix well. can do more to support them. 4. Roughly slice the semi-dried tomatoes. I think it’s so special that anyone can support a family facing cancer, simply by enjoying their 5. Layer a few rocket leaves onto both favourite sandwich on fresh Coles Own Brand slices of bread. bread. My daughters especially love that they are helping kids with cancer every day – 6. Spoon the chicken and pesto mayo whether it’s eating toast for breakfast or having mix evenly over both slices. a sandwich in their school lunchbox. 7. Add slices of semi-dried tomatoes. For other families out there, I urge you to use this initiative as an opportunity to start a dialogue 8. For an extra flavour kick and crunch, with your children around generosity, kindness sprinkle over capers, jalapenos, pine and gratitude. nuts, or the condiment of your choice.

“START A DIALOGUE WITH YOUR CHILDREN AROUND GENEROSITY, KINDNESS AND GRATITUDE.” 44 45 46 WE HOPE THESE STORIES HAVE MOVED YOU, AND THAT THE RECIPES HAVE MADE YOU HUNGRY.

IF YOU WANT TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR A FAMILY FACING THEIR CHILD’S CANCER, PLEASE VISIT YOUR LOCAL COLES OR COLES EXPRESS AND BUY A LOAF OF BREAD FEATURING THE LITTLE RED KITE ON ITS PACKET. FIVE CENTS FROM THE SALE WILL GO TO REDKITE, ENABLING US TO CONTINUE PROVIDING THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES FAMILIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY RELY ON AS THEY FACE THEIR CHILD'S CANCER.

AND YOU CAN MAKE A DONATION OR FIND OUT MORE BY VISITING WWW.REDKITE.ORG.AU

47 www.redkite.org.au