In addition to his demanding work schedule at ABode and Gidleigh Park, Michael finds time to be involved in a number of important local initiatives as well as support some very worthwhile and meaningful causes and charities.
Families for Children www.familiesforchildren.org.uk
Michael is Patron of this important West Country voluntary adoption
charity. As such, Michael brings to the charity his own personal
experience of being adopted into a loving Exeter family. Familes for
Children aims to place children from all over the UK who have
experienced loss and upheaval within stable, loving families in Devon,
Cornwall and Dorset. Says Michael, "It is a great honour and privilege
to be asked to be the Patron of such a worthy charity. This is a
subject that is close to my heart and I intend to use my profile to
raise awareness of adoption and the positive changes it makes to your
life." If you would like to support Families for Children, please
telephone 01364 645488 or email acolton@familiesforchildren.org.uk
Journey of a Lifetime Trust (JoLt) www.jolttrust.org.uk
Since 1983, the Journey of a Lifetime Trust (JoLt) has been making a positive, lasting difference to the lives of hundreds of disabled, ill, abused and neglected young people.
The Exeter Festival of South West England Food and Drink www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
Exeter's homegrown food festival was inspired by Michael Caines. Since it began in 2003, it has evolved into a major food exhibition of national and even international importance. More visitors than ever come to Exeter's Northernhay Gardens each year to visit artisan food and drink producers from throughout South West England. In the popular Cookery Theatre, Michael organises and hosts the chef's demonstrations, supported by the region's best and best known chefs. Teaching young people to eat well and enjoy and appreciate real food is one of the aims of the festival, and there is a Food is Fun marquee.
The Exeter Festival of South West England Food and Drink has proven itself to be a great success and an event that is popular and sustainable. The many thousands who have visited over the past years are proof that people in Exeter and the West Country — ordinary people not ‘foodies' — really do care about real food, food made with passion, food that is not massed produced, food that is better and more tasty and more enjoyable to eat. For further information about the Festival contact the Festival Administrator Lisa Partridge by email.
Supporting local cancer charities
Cancer, sadly, touches too many of us, directly or indirectly. Inspired in memory of a special friend, Michael has created a dish, the Chez Nello salad, that is served in all MC Café Bars, with 10% of proceeds donated to local cancer charities. In Exeter, all monies raised go to FORCE while in Glasgow, monies raised are donated to the Maggie Centre.
