Nanaimo High School Hosts Fundraiser to Combat Hunger

Nanaimo District Secondary School (NDSS) students are organizing a unique fundraiser aimed at addressing hunger in their community while providing participants with a glimpse into the challenges faced by the unhoused. The event, named Empty Bowl Night, is set to take place on March 5, 2024, at the NDSS cafeteria, starting at 17:30. It will benefit the Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank.

Students from the pottery program and the student council have worked diligently to create 150 handmade bowls for the event. Ticket holders will receive a bowl along with a serving of soup and a bun. Charlotte Wiggers, the NDSS student council vice-president, highlighted that three types of soup will be available, including a vegetarian option. The decision to support Loaves and Fishes was motivated by a desire to contribute to a local cause.

Community Impact and Involvement

Wiggers emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, “It’s important to help out my community. It’s also good volunteer experience, doing these different things.” She noted that participating in events like this has enhanced her leadership skills and fostered teamwork among students.

Support for the fundraiser also comes from faculty members. Recently retired pottery teacher Jean Kloppenburg and new teacher Haley Waite played key roles in the bowl-making process. Lisa Brockley, a teacher involved with the student council, expressed her hopes of matching or exceeding last year’s fundraising total of $4,200. She stated, “We’re really excited to see the community come together at this event.”

The event will also include a silent auction with a variety of items available for bid, including gift cards to White Rabbit Coffee Co. and Romper Room, along with scarves and additional pottery pieces.

Origins of the Empty Bowl Concept

The Empty Bowl event has its roots in a project initiated by art teacher John Hartom at Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, back in November 1990. Hartom’s innovative idea involved having students create bowls to be used in a soup fundraiser, which has since inspired similar events across the globe.

Tickets for the Empty Bowl Night are priced at $20 and can be purchased by contacting the NDSS office at 250-740-2000. Payment is accepted via cash or cheque only. The initiative not only aims to raise funds but also seeks to raise awareness about the realities of food insecurity in the community.