Zonta Club in Sault Ste. Marie celebrates the return of its 'Bon Soop' fundraiser

Bon Soo 2023 wraps up in the Sault Bon Soo ends Saturday as a long standing winter weather tradition continues on the St. Mary’s River. CTV News’ Mike McDonald has more.

The Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie is celebrating the return of one of its key fundraisers. Since 2006, the club has held its ‘Bon Soop’ fundraiser alongside the Bon Soo winter carnival. However, with pandemic restrictions in place in the previous few years, the fundraiser has been on hiatus. But now, the revamped campaign is back – branding itself as ‘Bon Soop 2.0.’

A total of nine local eateries are signed up to participate this year. Traditionally, the fundraiser saw a percentage of soup sales donated to the Zonta Club. This time, some restaurants have added menu items other than soup.

Zonta Club spokeswoman Gayle Manley said the charity has had some lean years since its last Bon Soop fundraiser in 2020.

“It’s been a little tighter, a little harder and I’m sure it’s the same as it has been for any charity,” she said.

“To be honest, probably any restaurant in the area. It’s been tough for them.”

Bon Soop raises money to support a number of Zonta Club women’s initiatives.

Restaurants participating throughout Bon Soo include Casey’s Grill & Bar at the Water Tower Inn, Freshii, Q Cafe, both the Second Line West and Churchill Plaza Subway locations and Swiss Chalet.

On Monday (Feb. 6), The Soup Witch will hold its fundraiser for Zonta Club and on Feb. 10 Uncle Gino’s Cafe will donate a portion of panzerotti sales to the campaign.

Mulligans Irish Pub and Scott Coffee Co. also held fundraisers as part of Bon Soop over then weekend.