The belief in a simple concept is making a difference in the lives of women, children and youth throughout our community.
In support of victims of domestic abuse and youth homelessness, Laura Branner introduced Soup Sisters to Lethbridge in April 2015.
Since then, a group of 20 participants, a mix of both men and women, come together ever other month to make fresh, nutritious soup, that is donated to local shelters.
Among the shelters are the YWCA Harbour House, Blackfoot Family Lodge and Wood’s Homes Emergency Youth Shelter.
Denille Tizzard, domestic violence shelter supervisor at the YWCA, said the soup has created a positive stir in which they are very grateful.
“Food costs are huge we go over $50 000 of food a year,” said Tizzard. “Bringing in soup provides us with lunch two to three times a month for the whole shelter along with a few dinner’s as well, it’s fabulous.”
Each event produces approximately 150-200 servings of soup, within an evening lively with conversation, a sit-down supper, wine and lots of laughter.
Branner often refers to the soup as hugs in a bowl.
“I feel very strongly about homelessness and family violence, I thought this was a wonderful way to give back to my community,” said Branner.
Soup Sisters and Broth Brothers is a non-profit enterprise founded in 2009 by Sharon Hapton of Calgary.
Hapton believed prevalent issues such as domestic abuse and youth homelessness, would benefit from the care and warmth that comes from a bowl of soup.
Since then, over half a million servings of soup have been delivered to shelters across Canada, with a growing network of over 20, 000 volunteers.
Lorraine Leishman has been volunteering with Soup Sisters in Lethbridge since the beginning.
“Seeing people working together, who never met, to produce this amazing result and the looks on their faces, that’s my favourite part,” she said.
However, the participants who make the soup are not the only ones donating their time.
Local restaurant Plum, partnered with Soup Sisters to ensure each event is a success.
Travis Dunnet, General Manager, said the staff volunteer their time both cooking and serving, during the sit down dinner of bread, salad and of course soup.
He also said, the first couple of months were a learning curve, but the response has been great and is excited to see where it goes.
“It was a natural fit for us, we sat down as a management group, with the owner, staff and some of the chefs and we talked about it and decided that it was something fun we could give back to the community,” said Dunnet.
Soup Sisters charge a $55 participation fee, which covers the expense of ingredients, venue, equipment, supervision and a Chef.
The next event will be held on Nov. 30, for more information contact lethbridge@soupsisters.org.
