Measuring success is sometimes as easy as seeing how much is left over.
That was the case for the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser held Oct. 23, hosted by Ponoka Family Community and Support Services (FCSS), at the Royal Canadian Legion.
The fundraiser’s focus is on showing how helping fill empty pottery bowls, which are purchased for $20, can help feed the hungry. All of the money raised at the event goes to the Ponoka Food Bank. It was anticipated this year’s event would bring in a similar amount to last year’s $2,400.
FCSS program coordinator Shelly Van Eaton explained so many people came out to support the event that they nearly ran out of supplies.
“It was awesome. We received incredible support from the public,” she stated. “We nearly ran out of both soup and pottery bowls.”
All of the soup, buns and other goodies are supplied through donations from local businesses and organizations, while the bowls — around 200 of them — are created by the members of the Ponoka Pottery Guild.
“What makes it unique is that some of the potters specifically make pieces for this fundraiser,” Van Eaton said. “And some of members of the public come to the event because they want to add more pieces to their collection.”
The day is also about providing help to the community in other ways.
Van Eaton noted the morning included an inter-agency meeting of various local and area organizations, followed in the afternoon by a free legal information session — which focused on wills, power of attorney and how to set up a personal health care directive.
There were also local companies and non-profit organizations on hand at the event to help those looking for possible employement or assistance.
jordie.dwyer@ponokanews.com
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