YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s 20th annual Empty Bowls event raises almost $20,000 to alleviate food insecurity

With proceeds from February 23 event, supporters have helped raise more than $210,000 over the past 20 years for YWCA Nourish Food program

By Jeannine Taylor -
Published
Almost 200 guests, including Hermione Rivison and Rose Terry, attended the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton's Empty Bowls event at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on February 23, 2024. Returning as an in-person seated lunch for the first time since the pandemic, the event raised almost $20,000 for the YWCA's Nourish Food program to alleviate food insecurity. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
Almost 200 guests, including Hermione Rivison and Rose Terry, attended the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton's Empty Bowls event at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on February 23, 2024. Returning as an in-person seated lunch for the first time since the pandemic, the event raised almost $20,000 for the YWCA's Nourish Food program to alleviate food insecurity. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s annual Empty Bowls event last Friday (February 23) has raised almost $20,000 to help address food insecurity in the Peterborough area.

Almost 200 guests attended the 20th annual event at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, which returned as an in-person seated lunch for the first time since the pandemic. Ticket holders received a handcrafted ceramic or wooden bowl and enjoyed food supplied by 15 local restaurants.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Nourish Food Program operated by the YWCA, which provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger.

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“This year, more than ever, I’m encouraged and humbled by the number of people who support Empty Bowls with their generosity,” says YWCA executive director Kim Dolan in a media release. “The time devoted to making this event a success holds true this year more than ever.”

YWCA’s Nourish Food program offers monthly food boxes, community gardening, and a weekly market at Curve Lake First Nation, bringing high quality produce from local farms to the community at affordable prices. With the support of the community, around 260 food boxes are distributed each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area.

Including funds from this year’s event, supporters of Empty Bowls have helped raise more than $210,000 over the past 20 years for the Nourish Food program.

Members of the Kawartha Potters Guild who, along with members of the Kawartha Woodturners Guild, hand crafted and donated all the bowls for the 2024 YWCA Empty Bowls event on February 23 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)
Members of the Kawartha Potters Guild who, along with members of the Kawartha Woodturners Guild, hand crafted and donated all the bowls for the 2024 YWCA Empty Bowls event on February 23 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)

“Twenty years is a remarkable milestone, especially given the challenges in recent years,” Dolan note. “It is a testament to the dedication of our community members who fired up their kilns, sharpened their chisels, showed up, donated, sponsored, volunteered, and continued the legacy of Empty Bowls in Peterborough.”

This year’s event was supported by members of the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild, along with presenting sponsor Cornerstone Family Dentistry, location sponsor The Venue, and media sponsor kawarthaNOW.

Participating restaurants include Ashburnham Ale House, the Black Horse Pub, By The Bridge, Fresh Dreams, Hanoi House, Hard Winter Bakery, La Hacienda, La Mesita, NAKA Japanese, Naked Chocolate, Revelstoke, Sam’s Place, St Veronus, The Pin, and The Venue.

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