Soup’s On fundraiser offering up hot bowls for worthy cause

The inaugural SoupsOn fundraiser is this Sunday from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Barrie Legion.

Warm up with a cozy bowl of soup all for a worthy cause.

Soup’s On, hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, is taking place on Sunday over lunchtime from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Barrie Legion.

Local businesses have been invited to donate their signature soups for the public to taste.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste test the soups with judges choosing the winning concoctions.

The event costs $25 which will give guests six tasting tickets, each ticket redeemable for a four-ounce sample from any of the participating local businesses.

The businesses this year are State & Main, Kennedy’s Lakeside Grocery, Cravings Fine Food, Poppi’s Italian Eatery, Aspira Waterford Barrie Retirement Living, the Barrie Legion-Ladies Auxiliary and The Cove Cafe.

Dylan Thompson, kitchen manager at State & Main in Barrie, told CTV News participating in the event is important to him as his father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“This event means a lot to me personally,” said Thompson. “I have family with Alzheimer’s so it’s important for me to take part in this and get us out in the community and have fun while working, which is an added bonus as well.”

The judges are comprised of prominent people in the community including CTV’s Sarah Freemark, the Barrie Baycats’ General Manager and Field Manager Josh Matlow, Barrie City Councillor Craig Nixon and Michael Chorney.

Judges will vote for their favourites in three different categories: The Creamiest Soup, The Most Hearty Soup and The Best Vegetarian Soup.

The community fundraiser aims to drive support for those living with dementia and their care partners.

“Over 85 per cent of the people we’re supporting today are those supporting a loved one,” said Ann-Marie Kungl, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County.

Kungl said money from the event will go to local programming including art, music, movement and especially the newest program, cooking classes for caregivers.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the door.