The evening was supported by CanTeen’s supportive partners Pams and Foodstuffs South Island who kindly donated the ingredients to make the truffles.

Here’s 18 year old patient member Caleb’s account of the evening:

“One cold Dunedin night, a few fellow CanTeeners and I decided to brave the cold and go put our senses to the test! As we walked into the kitchen we were greeted by one of the friendliest and largest smile I have ever seen! It was "That Blind Woman". After we had settled down Julie (that blind woman) taught us how to meet and greet blind people. She then got us to share what we thought would be the hardest part about being blind preparing us for the task ahead.

Eager to blindfold my partner I put the snazzy pink glasses on her first and away we went! Guiding her through everything was quite moving, you never realise how much someone relies on you without their sense of sight. Now it was my turn. As I put the pink glasses on I tried to get a feel for where I was, and accidentally bumped into my neighbour! I was shocked at how hard everyday tasks were, for example washing my hands, I had to be told step by step what to do, never before have I appreciated my hands that much. Rolling the truffles into small golf sized balls was most likely the most fun part of the night, they looked so much better in my head though.

Towards the end of the night we made cute little boxes and packaged the truffles.

All in all it was an experience that I really really enjoyed, I have a new appreciation for blind people and a better understanding. I would recommend this to anyone who gets the opportunity - it's really hard to put into words how much I enjoyed it.” Caleb Lesa.

Foodstuffs South Island Distribution Centre Manager, Gareth Weatherstone, was also invited along and gave blindfolded cooking a go. "It's amazing how much your other senses are heightened. You have to think so much more about what you are doing".

If you’re interested in trying out Ms Wood’s famous truffles recipe, here it is: