Nanaimo High School Hosts Fundraiser to Combat Local Hunger

Students at Nanaimo District Secondary School (NDSS) are taking a hands-on approach to raise funds for their community while shedding light on the experiences of those who are unhoused. The school is hosting an event called Empty Bowl Night, where attendees can enjoy a meal of soup and bread in a bowl crafted by students, all while supporting the Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank.

Scheduled for March 5, 2024, the event will take place at the NDSS cafeteria, starting at 17:30. Participants will receive a handmade bowl, a serving of soup, and a bun as part of their ticket purchase, which costs $20. The initiative has seen the involvement of students and community members who created approximately 150 bowls for the occasion.

Charlotte Wiggers, the vice-president of the NDSS student council, highlighted the importance of the fundraiser. “It’s important to help out my community,” she stated. Wiggers emphasized the value of volunteer experience, noting how the project has helped her develop leadership skills while working collaboratively with others.

The event’s beneficiary, Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, was chosen because the student council aimed to support a local organization that addresses food insecurity. Wiggers mentioned that the fundraiser will feature three types of soup, including a vegetarian option, to cater to a diverse audience.

The pottery efforts for this event are guided by recently retired teacher Jean Kloppenburg and new teacher Haley Waite. Lisa Brockley, an NDSS teacher involved with the student council, expressed her hopes of at least matching last year’s fundraising total of $4,200. “We’re really excited to see the community come together at this event,” she said.

In addition to the meal, a silent auction will take place, featuring items such as gift cards to local businesses like White Rabbit Coffee Co. and Romper Room, as well as scarves and additional pottery. This auction presents an opportunity for attendees to contribute further to the cause.

The Empty Bowl initiative began at Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in November 1990. Art teacher John Hartom conceptualized the event to engage students in creating bowls for a soup fundraiser. Since then, it has grown into a popular means of raising awareness and funds for local food banks across various communities.

Tickets for the Empty Bowl Night can be purchased by contacting the NDSS office at 250-740-2000. Cash or cheque payments are accepted. The event promises to be an engaging evening that not only addresses local hunger but also fosters community spirit and collaboration among students and residents alike.