Help Nolan Make His Culinary Dream a Reality

For those of you who know my brother, Nolan, you would know he has two things in life that he cares about most: family, and food. And when Nolan really loves something, he puts his whole heart into it.

It started when he was young. Our parents were divorced, and we didn’t grow up with a lot of money. As a cheap form of entertainment Nolan would take it upon himself to make what we called his “concoctions” with whatever he could find in the fridge. He would spend quite literally hours watching cooking videos on YouTube and then use every pot and pan in the kitchen trying out the recipes the next day. They always turned out delicious, even from the start. Recipes he found on YouTube turned into impressive several course meals that he curated on his own, all done with the biggest smile on his face. You could tell he was born to cook.

When our dad passed away in October of 2021 he used cooking as a way to grieve. I could see it brought him to a different place and time, somewhere where he could focus just on what was in front of him and nothing else. He started cooking all the time, refined his skills, and it became very clear then more than ever just how passionate (and talented) he really was at this.

He now works at a well known restaurant within the Hamilton food scene. As a next step in his career, Nolan recently decided to apply to Le Cordon Bleu - one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world - and was immediately accepted for his boisterous personality, talent, impressive resume and the essay he wrote and submitted to apply. I wasn’t surprised when I heard the blue seal of approval showed up in the mail. I never doubted him for a second. I am so incredibly proud of him, as is everyone close to him.

Although, as I’m sure you can imagine with such a prestigious school comes a hefty tuition that is required to be paid immediately in full. Even with major help from family, and OSAP he is still several thousand dollars shy from his dream. And that isn’t including the money he will have to pay for the necessities while he studies away from home in Ottawa, like food and housing. So, I am creating this Go Fund Me as I truly would love nothing more for than my brother to be able to follow his passion without having a huge financial burden.

Nolan doesn’t often ask for help, so I’d like to make this ask on his behalf - please donate what you can. Every dollar is one step closer to Le Cordon Bleu for only the most deserving chef I know.

Thank you!