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soup For Popular lunch program “Soups on Us” returns this fall to nourish local bellies with hot soup Every Thursday she was in town last fall and winter, Port Perry resident Carol Cooke would head to Soups on Us, the collaborative community lunch held at Church of the Ascension. The lunch is hosted by a rotating roster of local churches, a Parent's Support Group and a team of adults with special needs in the community. Each week the team serves up a free lunch of home- made soup, bread and dessert, with an average of 100 People, of all ages dropping in to enjoy. Soups on Us was an almost immediate hiti in the com- munity, and the multi 1 and multi-ability crew behind it was even honoured with a Durham Region 2012 “Accessibility Award”. This award is presented to individuals, groups or businesses for achievements in accessibility. “Our program was chosen based on the successful removal of social barriers, to ensure accessibility for all members of the Port Perry community,” explains team member Cathy Cooper. Soups on Us is set to launch its second season on Oc- tober 11, with an expanded group of churches standing behind it. Emmanuel Community Church and New Song Church, join Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Hope Christian Reform Church, Port Perry United Church and Church of the Ascension. The church volunteers work with the adult volunteers to prepare the food, which they provide, serve it and clean up each Thursda‘ As one of the organizers, collaboration was a bi; theme for Cathy as well. “It was great teamwork with lots of good cooks in the kitchen, and soups that were deli- cious and hearty. Everyone involved has experienced real joy in working together and serving our friends from the communi Local grocers have stepped up as well, with Vos’ Inde- pendent, Sobeys and Food Basics all making donations to the effort. The greatest success of Soups on Us though, might very well be the satisfaction experienced by the adults with special needs who form the backbone of the volunteer base each week. 09,FOCUS. SEPTEMBER.48 pgsindd 45 The Soul Ruth Follows lifts a hearty bow! of soup for a taste, in this picture taken during one of last year’s “Soups on Us” luncheons. The program is about to start up again next month and the public is invited to drop by any Thursday at the Port Perry Anglican Church. File photo by J. Peter Hvidsten “The adults with special needs have enjoyed the experience beyond our expectations,” says Neil Brad- ley, a member of the Parent Support Group. “They feel this is a job that they are committed to. They are learning new skills. Their volunteer work provides a valuable service to the community and they have made many new friends within the churches and in the community.” Soups on Us kicks off the new season on Thurs- day, Oct. 11. The lunch will run each Thursday from 11:30 to 1:00 pm. All are welcome, 266 North St., Port Perry. By Karen Stiller Focus on Scugog FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2012 45 12-08-20 8:42AM