Rise to the challenge! Support Youth Homelessness

April 27, 2021

St. Leonard’s Community Services announced their 16th Annual Soup Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - St. Leonard's Community Services, Brantford's leading non-profit serving homeless and at risk of becoming homeless youth in Brant County, is once again raising awareness and funds in recognition of Youth Homelessness Week with the 16th Annual Soup Challenge on Saturday, May 15th. St. Leonard's Community Services is challenging the community to cook for a cause, supporting the youth housing programs and services provided through St. Leonard's Community Services.

The root of the Soup Challenge is to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness in Brant County. With an abundance of caution, the event, which typically occurs alongside Youth Homelessness week in February, has pivoted to an online cooking segment. St. Leonard's Community Services invites the community to come together within their own homes to support those youth in our community who can't do the same.

"The Soup Challenge event is typically an in-person competition between restaurants in the community. We knew we would have to re-think the event give our current COVID climate," says Brad Stark, Executive Director of St. Leonard's Community Services. "Our goal this year is to keep the spirit of the event alive – raising funds and awareness around Youth Homelessness. We hope to pick up with our traditional format next year."

St. Leonard's Community Services is a Brantford-based social services agency serving Brant County, Brantford, and Haldimand. They are proud to provide four community service sectors under one Agency, including Housing and the Youth Resource Centre. The Youth Resource Centre is a safe and warm place for youth experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to find shelter, food, and support.  When you purchase a ticket to the 16th Annual Soup Challenge or donate to St. Leonard's Community Services, your dollars stay local, and you directly help homeless youth in your community.

"Together, we can help our local youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless bridge the gap from a safe home to a safe home," says Marg Richardson, Manager of Youth Resource Centre. "We look forward to the Soup Challenge every year. Funds raised assist us in providing youth access to safe shelter, warm beds, food, and access to health and social services." 

Tickets for the 16th Annual Soup Challenge are only $10! Participants will receive the ingredient list by email ahead of the Saturday, May 15th date and a link to the 16th Annual Soup Challenge cooking segment, which will launch on Saturday, May 15th at 11 am. Participants will have unlimited chances to view the video and cook soup alongside St. Leonard's Community Services staff members.

Scotiabank proudly sponsors the 16th Annual Soup Challenge. The Gold Level sponsor is Dov Capital Corporation. The Silver Level sponsors are Crescent Mortgage Corp., Kings Wood Products and Millard's Chartered Professional Accountants. The Bronze Level sponsors are ARK Electrical, Bialas Printing, and Our Community Kitchen.

St. Leonard's Community Services' 16th Annual Soup Challenge takes place on Saturday, May 15th. Tickets are only $10. Community members may purchase tickets online at Cooking for a Cause: 16th Annual Soup Challenge.

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For more information or to set up an interview, please contact
Meaghan Crouch, Marketing Coordinator
St. Leonard's Community Services
mcrouch@st-leonards.com 

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