Our interview is conducted telephonically and I experience him as an energetic and cheerful person with a passion for his work at Sunfield Home.
Gregory (39) was born in Wellington, matriculated at Bergrivier Highschool and studied catering at Boland College. He worked as a chef at Schoongezicht and later as Deli Controller at Checkers for 9 years. He joined Sunfield Home during 2019 as chef after he had been following them on Facebook for a while.
From an early age Gregory had to learn to cook since his mom worked and he was challenged to be innovative and try new things in the kitchen. It is here, behind the stove that his love for catering began.
Gregory is responsible for the preparation of lunch and dinner at Sunfield Home as well as snacks. He and his colleague, Marie Baadjies, currently works 12 hour shifts due to Covid, but otherwise day and night-shifts. Although catering and cooking are his first loves, his other passion is to work with disabled people.
He says his work is not just about food preparation but also about building relationships with the residents. “They become part of your life – one day I am a dad, the next I am a brother. They take you out of your comfort zone.”
His biggest challenge was serving the correct portion size since he was scared there won’t be enough food for everyone, but he has since mastered this skill! He enjoys working alongside his colleagues and says he has a great manager.
Gregory shares that on those days when his day starts wrong, he immediately feels better once he gets to work. The residents here never judge him and are always thankful for what they receive. A lesson we can all learn.
His wish for Sunfield Home is to grow from strength to strength!
Gregory has been married to Monique for 7 years and have two children, a son of 18 (Storm) and one of 6 (London Blue). This unusual name means Blue Diamond!
Gregory’s favourites:
Drink – Brandy and Coke
Food – Lasagne
Hobbies – Reality TV series and sport. Nadal is his favourite player!
Dream holiday: Boat trip
