The soups are back on – for a good cause.
The Victoria Youth Empowerment Society’s 22nd annual Souper Bowls of Hope fundraiser is coming back on Oct. 17.
For the first time in four years, the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society’s fall fundraiser will return with a new venue and fresh ideas on how to garner donations.
Created by the late Helen Hughes, the event was named for its hearty soups and special pottery bowls designed by local artists from the Vancouver Island Potters Guild. This year’s event will have two sittings held at the Union Club, one at 11 a.m. and the other at 1:15 p.m.
Executive director Julia Ann Hunter has worked for the organization for 14 years and said that because of COVID-19 the event has been put off, but she anticipates a great turnout this year.
“It’s a unique opportunity – you come and get your pottery bowl and your soup and you get to mingle with other people,” said Hunter.” It gives us an opportunity to support more youth … to offer things like more meals, make sure they have school supplies and make sure they have the things they need to succeed.”
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This year will have some new additions to make the event more intimate, “focusing more on sharing the stories of the young people they serve and creating opportunities for supporters to give and connect with the organization.”
Hunter says the event not only helps contribute to support thousands of kids, but also allows for more programs that the organization offers to flourish. In its 22 years of hosting the event, the organization has raised over $1.3 million to assist young people who are street-entrenched, living with addiction or struggling with a variety of challenges that put them at risk.
“One program in particular is the summer opportunities program, which gives vulnerable youth the opportunity to participate in youth rec programs,” said Hunter. “As the need for food increases, we used to do one meal a day now, we’re up to two.”
She added that fall in particular can often be an uncertain time for vulnerable youth and young adults, and that the fundraiser comes just in time to warm people’s stomachs. Hunter says it also is meant to bring the people of Victoria and businesses closer together.
“One of my most memorable things is seeing youth come in a feeling like they’re special and that they’re valuable. Holidays can be really hard for youth and being able to offer youth those special moments where they can see the community is thinking about them is important,” said Hunter.
The non-profit organization has supported youth from across Victoria since 1992. With a variety of programs for youth and families, such as a specialized detox program and an emergency shelter that runs year-round programs for youth that consist of counseling, outreach, and life skill programs that bridge into adulthood.
This year’s gourmet soups will be provided by chefs from the Union Club, Zambri’s, 10 Acres, and Cheryl’s Gourmet Kitchen, and will be served by the Victoria Fire Department and area police departments.
Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, as well as a silent auction and a giving tree from ‘Thrifty Foods.
Anyone who is interested in the event can go to the eventbritepage, to order tickets to join the soup-er heroes at work.
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