There is a small group of dedicated volunteers who cheerfully cook soup every week at Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre’s Community Kitchen with Trish Chung.
“Because of the demand and increase in soup distribution, we are looking for further help,” says Homelessness Task Force Project co-ordinator Gisele Marion.
There is now a food safe plan in effect and the group calls itself Soup de Tour.
Volunteers distribute to the 100 Mile House Food Bank Society on the first and third Tuesday of the month; Canadian Mental Health Association, South Cariboo Branch (CMHA-SCB); and the 100 Mile House & District Women’s Centre Society.
The first delivery of soup went to the food bank on Feb.1, says Marion. “We gave out at least 20 cups of soup to the people standing in line.
“They were so appreciative. We were there from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; next week we may take some herbal tea with us, too.”
The volunteers also deliver their “mugs of cheer” every Friday, between noon and 2 p.m., to CMHA-SCB at 555 B Cedar Ave. Everyone is welcome, Marion says, adding donations are welcome, but not necessary.
“Soup de Tour” is looking for volunteers willing to chop, cook, and do clean-up duties on Tuesdays at the Community Kitchen at The Lodge. They will also need people with Foodsafe Level 1 to distribute and serve soup on other days.”
She notes they have some churches willing to come on board.
“Once we have mastered Tuesday and Friday with more public awareness and when more volunteers are on board and we create more soup, we’ll be ready to move forward with some churches and offer this [program] on a different day.”
There are more ways to help the homeless or poor.
Marion suggests gardeners could plant an extra row for the Community Kitchen to make soup. Locals selling beef, chicken, or pork are asked to call Marion, and she adds donations of cash or gift cards from local grocery stores would also be welcome.
Household items are also needed, including toasters, kettles, frying pans, pots and pans, dishes, cutlery, table and chairs, beds, pillows, bedding, towels, cleaning brushes, soaps, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and more.
“We want to express gratitude to the federal government, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers. We live in such a wonderful community.”
People wanting more information or to volunteer should call Marion at 250-395-4883 or e-mail gisele_cmha@shaw.ca.
