Port Perry BIA

"It's open to everyone and, though fully supported by local churches, isn't designed to recruit new congregants or parishioners. It's a multi-faith initiative with a focus purely on fellowship, sharing and discovery. Church partners in the initiative include the Anglican Church of the Ascension, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Perry United Church and the Hope Christian Reformed Church.

The plan will see one of the volunteers from each church plan and prepare a soup each Wednesday with the help of adult special needs volunteers, co-ordinated through the Port Perry Parents Support Group. The meals will be served every Thursday at the Anglican church, serving as the host venue for the pilot project. It starts late next month and runs until the end of March, at which time the program will be reviewed.

And though there is no cost to those enjoying the homemade soup, donations will be cheerfully and gratefully accepted.

esidents in Port Perry are both being served and providing service with this wonderful community-based program. While enjoying the fresh soup served up by volunteers, in supporting the program, Port Perry residents also serve the goals of organizers, and assist special needs residents as they refine new skills, meet fellow residents and improve their social skills.

Whether the notion of a free meal resonates, the opportunity to make new community acquaintances, or the ability to provide an outlet for friends and neighbours with special needs, the participation of the larger community will determine the outcome.

Make a point of visiting one Thursday soon. Make a new friend, help a volunteer gain a sense of accomplishment and warm your heart and soul with a bowl of hot, fresh, homemade soup." - Port Perry Star

The Soups On Us project runs until March 29, 2012.