Square One Community, Inc. will hold their second annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's United Church, with all proceeds from the event going to support Square One's mission of supporting and advocating for unhoused people in Moose Jaw.
Square One's inaugural Empty Bowls was at Timothy Eaton Gardens last year. Six community restaurants and food services providers donated big pots of stew for the event, including Gordon Food Service, Canadian Brewhouse, Evolve Café, Grant Hall Hotel, The Mad Greek, Moose Jaw Families For Change/Kinsmen Café.
An huge assortment of bowls, including handcrafted pottery from local artisans, donations from thrift stores, and bowls gifted by community members, were claimed by attendees, who were able to take the bowl home with them as an ongoing reminder of hunger in Moose Jaw. There were 14 craft vendor tables supporting the event, speakers from Square One, and a large group of generous volunteers who turned out to help set up, run the event, and wash up afterwards.
That first Empty Bowls event raised $5,600 through sponsorships, vendor table rentals, soup sales, and a silent auction.
Square One confirmed an event repeat with the following announcement on social media:
"Square One Community Inc. is hosting our 2nd Annual Empty Bowls event, and we need your help! We're on the hunt for spare bowls of all kinds – whether they're handcrafted, artisanal, or simply beloved pieces from your home. Your generous bowl donations will be at the heart of our event, symbolizing unity and nourishing our mission to combat hunger and homelessness in Moose Jaw.
"To donate your bowls and become part of this heartwarming event, please reach out to us (through Facebook), or at communitysquareone@gmail.com. Your contribution is a vital ingredient in the recipe for community support and change."
Tickets to Square One Community, Inc.'s Empty Bowls event on Nov. 17 will be $20 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased in advance by e-transfer to communitysquareone@gmail.com (include name and number of tickets wanted).
More information is available at www.squareonehousingmoosejaw.com/empty-bowls-2023.
Square One was established in 2021 and is a volunteer-run non-profit and registered charity. The organization is in the process of securing sustainable funding to open a warming/cooling shelter and dedicated women's shelter at William Milne Place on Fairford Street.
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