The soup’s on to fight food insecurity in Peterborough.
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton has announced the launch of its 21st annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser, which takes place on Friday, February 21 at The Venue at 86 George St. N. in downtown Peterborough.
The lunch-time event aims to raise money and boost awareness about food insecurity in the community.
“This event is so important for the growing number of people in our community who struggle to meet basic nutritional needs,” Tina Thornton, director of philanthropy for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, told kawarthaNOW.
“With rising costs of food and shelter, we know there is work to do at all levels of government to address the issues. The generosity of participants will help fill current gaps and empty bellies. Community-based food action programs develop relationships based on dignity while increasing access to nutritious food and referrals to other community initiatives.”
Empty Bowls will once again feature a variety of local participating restaurants providing a selection of food options. The ticket price includes one lunch meal to enjoy on-site and a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl, hand-crafted and donated by local artisans.
Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will support two non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting those experiencing food insecurity: One City Peterborough and Kawartha Food Share.
“We’re so proud to support fellow non-profit organizations like One City and Kawartha Food Share, who are doing incredible work to help keep women and families fed around our community,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s executive director, in a media release.
Tickets are available at ywcapeterborough.akaraisin.com/ui/EmptyBowls2025 or by calling YWCA Peterborough Haliburton at 705-743-3526.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for “early bird” VIP ticket holders. VIP tickets are $75 each and include the top selection of lunch options and bowls. Doors then open at noon for general admission ticket holders. General admission tickets are $60 a piece.
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is giving a shout-out to its 2025 Empty Bowls sponsors, including presenting sponsor Cornerstone Family Dentistry, location sponsor The Venue, brolw partner Kawartha Potters Guild, and all participating restaurants.
“We look forward to raising awareness and funding for food action programs, showcasing the beautiful bowls created and donated by members of the Kawartha Potters Guild, highlighting some amazing local restaurants, and connecting with friends, new and old, who are part of Peterborough’s strongly beating social justice heart,” Thornton said.
Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement by artists and crafts people in cities around the world to care for and feed the hungry in their communities. Annual events support food-related charitable organizations, raising millions of dollars to help end hunger and address food insecurity.
Empty Bowls first came to Peterborough in 2003 when Karen Hjort-Jensen, then the YWCA’s director of housing, brought forward the concept and began the partnership with the Kawartha Potters Guild that remains to this day.
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton provides safety, resources, and support to help women and children safely escape violent situations, build upon their existing strength, and move forward in their lives. As a member of YWCA Canada, the local organization is part of a global movement dedicated to ending gender-based violence in all its forms.
