Square One Community Inc. will be holding their third annual ‘Empty Bowls’ event on Friday, Nov. 15 at Zion United Social Hall.
“This is a fundraising event that involves beautiful soups created by local chefs, and bowls that you get to keep,” explained Della Ferguson, chair of the Square One fundraising committee.
The event gets underway at 11 a.m., with soup being served from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., and attendees can also participate in a Silent Auction and Staycation Raffle.
Local potters and the YMCA Youth Mentorship Program are donating bowls, with soups coming from local businesses including Evolve, Soltopia, Moose Jaw Families For Change, the Canadian Brewhouse, and Veroba's.
“At noon, we’re going to have a special program that’s going to highlight the work that Square One is involved in, as well as the needs that have been identified in our community.”
Funds raised through this year’s event will be going towards the operation of their new supportive housing initiative. “What that is, is to create wrap-around services for folks that are experiencing housing insecurity,” said Ferguson.
“We just recently entered our Memorandum of Understanding with Moose Jaw Nonprofit Housing Corporation, and we’re going to work together right at the William Milne space, in supporting those who are living there, and then we’ll move into housing folks who are currently unhoused.”
Ferguson said they have 175 tickets up for sale at a cost of $20 each. Last year’s fundraiser raised just over $9,000, and they’re looking to get to $10,000 this year.
Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket ahead of time can e-transfer communitysquareone@gmail.com with a message including their name, phone number, and number of tickets wanted. Ferguson said any individuals or businesses looking to sponsor the event can also reach out to that email.
“The event is all about community. It is for those who are experiencing housing insecurity – it is also for all of us. When we help those who are suffering, we help everyone.”