Vision Soup at Sydenham's Grace Centre

Julie Druker | Dec 02, 2015

Over 25 volunteers of all ages transformed the Southern Frontenac Community Services’ (SFCS) Grace Centre in Sydenham into one gigantic restaurant/cafeteria in preparation for the annual Vision Soup fundraiser that took place there on November 28. Organizers were expecting over 200 diners to arrive, who for $20 per person could choose from an assortment of hundreds of hand made ceramic bowls, all generously donated to the event by members of the Kingston Potters Guild. The guests then filled the empty bowls with home-made soup, choosing from close to 20 different types, all donated by businesses from the local and surrounding communities. The soups included a leek and bacon from Pan Chancho in Kingston; cauliflower curry from Martha's; and an exotic Thai soup from Sydenham Pet and Farm Supply; plus many, many more. Diners also enjoyed buns and butter, hot and cold beverages and a wide assortment of home-made sweet treats.

Leslie Reade of Sydenham, who heads up the event along with Josey Steel, said the fundraiser helps to support many people in need in the local area. The proceeds go to support SFCS, as well as to the local Christmas Food Basket Campaign, which is run by the Loughborough Christmas and Emergency Relief Committee. The Vision Soup event has been happening for the last 10 years in Sydenham and Reade said that for her and Steel, who both own their own businesses in the area, organizing the fundraiser is “our way of giving back to community.” Reade co-owns the Sydenham Veterinary Clinic and Steel owns the Chiropractic Life Centre. Many of the guests who attended the event also made cash and food donations to the SFCS food bank.