Empty Bowls fills plates for YWCA Nourish Food Program

The community filled bowls to the tune of just under $20,000 during the recent Empty Bowls fundraiser.

The 20th annual YWCA event was held at The Venue in Peterborough on Feb. 23.

Money raised went the YWCA’s Nourish Food Program.

“With the funds raised this year, supporters of Empty Bowls have now helped raise over $210,000 for the YWCA over the event’s 20-year history,” reads a release.

Close to 200 guests attended the Empty Bowls event and enjoyed a wide variety of delicious food options provided by 15 local restaurants. The handcrafted ceramic and wooden bowls created and donated by community artisans were a big hit with participants, many of whom purchased extra bowls to take home.

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

“Twenty years is a remarkable milestone, especially given the challenges in recent years. 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.”

The Nourish Food Program provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger.

The 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. Thanks to the support of the community, the YWCA distributes about 260 food boxes each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area.

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is grateful to the 2024 Empty Bowls sponsors, including presenting sponsor Cornerstone Family Dentistry; location sponsor, The Venue; media sponsor, KawarthaNOW; and our Bowl partners, the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild.

“We also thank all the local restaurants who prepared and served a wonderful array of dishes representing Peterborough’s food scene, including 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,” reads the release.

The Nourish Food Program provides fresh food at affordable costs

CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT METROLAND FILE PHOTO Kawartha Potters Guild contributing artist Cathy Allen packs finished bowls in preparation for the YWCA Empty Bowls that was held on Feb. 23. Just shy of $20,000 was raised during the event.