Second Annual Empty Bowls Peninsula Fundraiser Set for September 22 in Wiarton

The second annual Empty Bowls Peninsula fundraiser returns to Wiarton on Sept. 22, offering handmade bowls, soups from local restaurants, and support for the Bruce Peninsula Community Food Bank.

More than 100 hand-crafted bowls are being prepared for the second annual Empty Bowls Peninsula fundraiser in support of the Bruce Peninsula Community Food Bank.

The event takes place Monday, September 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wiarton Salvation Army Community Church, 576 Edward Street.

Guests will choose a hand-crafted bowl donated by local potters — which they will keep — and fill it with up to five different soups prepared by area restaurants. Diners can “vote” for their favourite by making a cash donation toward the People’s Choice Award.

Participating restaurants include Green Door Cafe, DeJong Acres, The Dunes, Lazlo’s, and Red Bay Lodge. Pottery has been donated by Gleason Brook Pottery, Full Circle Ceramics, Gayle Fairchild, Michelle Minke, Richard Mund, Murray Fox, Nancy McGee, Barb McNeil, and members of the Georgian Bay School for the Arts.

Tickets are $40 and go on sale Friday, August 15, at Josie’s in Wiarton and Unique Pieces in Sauble Beach.

Empty Bowls began in the 1990s in the United States and has grown into an international project that raises funds for hunger relief and builds awareness about food security issues.

Proceeds from ticket sales and People’s Choice donations will go entirely to the Bruce Peninsula Community Food Bank. In the past year, the food bank has supported 1,299 households — averaging 108 per month — distributed 34,265 kg of food, and provided 174 meals per month from September to June, along with over 200 healthy lunches each week through Grub Hub.

The event is supported by lead sponsor Lake House Bath + Kitchen, gold sponsors Home Hardware, Cottage Crafters, and George Funeral Home, and in-kind contributions from participating potters, restaurants, and the Pottery Supply House.

The 2024 fundraiser sold out quickly.

For more information, contact the Wiarton Salvation Army at 519-534-0353.