With condensed hours at the Out of the Cold Shelter in Peace River, there is an increase of use at the Peace River Community Soup Kitchen and organizers are asking for members of the community to step up to volunteer.
“Peace River Community Soup Kitchen volunteers are the backbone of what we do,” says soup kitchen volunteer Wanda Laurin.
“Our CSK (Community Soup Kitchen) board organize buying supplies, scheduling volunteers, setting up, serving and cleaning up on soup kitchen days,” she says.
“We are really lucky to have such dedicated individuals doing all these various activities for us.”
Laurin says with the harsh winter that has been experienced over the last few months and economic hardships across the region, there has been an increased demand for a warm meal. The kitchen operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for lunch at the St. James Lower Hall at 9709-98 Ave across from Riverfront Park in Peace River.
“The volunteers arrive around 11:30 to get out supplies, (dishes, cutlery, bread and make coffee), and they also fetch the soup from Sagitawa Friendship Centre where they make all our fantastic meals,” explains Laurin.
“We usually open the doors when we are ready, but technically we serve between noon and 1 o’clock. After that, the volunteers wash the tables and dishes and put everything away, usually about a half-hour job.”
Laurin says they are hoping members of the community will reach out to their crew to sign up to help serve the people who patron the kitchen. The kitchen is open to anyone in need, from low-income people, single parents, children, or people needing shelter and the working poor.
“As a side note; our region is very appreciative of the services of our soup kitchen as well,” she says.
“Municipalities donate to us, as well as many businesses and individuals. Our most excellent treasurer has got us charitable status, and we can issue tax receipts.”
Meals are free, but Laurin says donations are gladly accepted. The kitchen runs solely on donations from local municipalities, businesses, and individual support, with each meal costing an average of $7.50.
Laurin urges anyone with some spare time and a desire to sign up to be a volunteer. If this volunteer opportunity appeals to you, Laurin says to go on their website: https://prsoupkitchen.org/ to the volunteer page and send your contact information. The crew will provide training to anyone who signs up.
Interested people can also call Wanda at (780) 625-6309.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter