Westsyde Secondary students plan Empty Bowls fundraiser for Kamloops Food Bank

KAMLOOPS — Students from every corner of Westsyde Secondary School have come together to raise funds for the Kamloops Food Bank, through their Empty Bowls dinner theatre fundraiser.

“I know that we are just really hoping that all the money we do make a good amount of (difference) and help a lot of different people this holiday season and just in general. Any money we make will be a lot of help for people,” said Ali Hawkings, who helped create some of the artwork for the silent auction.

Image credit – Ali Hawkings/ Westsyde Secondary

The bowls are meant to be left empty, to ensure we remember those who aren’t as fortunate and don’t have the money or food to fill them. Helping craft the symbolic bowls is the ceramics class.

“Quite a few — there are different classes doing bowls and some people who aren’t even in art are doing bowls as well. There are quite a few bowls… I have no idea how many bowls there are, but I know there are a lot,” added Amara Ezedebego from the ceramics class.

At the end of the evening, the bowls will be taken home by all those attending the fundraiser — after they’re cleared of the soup being made by the school’s food class, of course.

“We are making these big vats, so they are going to be pots about the size of my torso, and fairly big. It depends on how many people show up but we are going make — I don’t know how many litres, but it will be a lot,” said Grade 12 student Dylan Shea. “We will be able to feed everybody that shows up.”

“I believe the community — especially around the holiday season, it’s very hard for some families and I believe it’s very important for even us to get experience while supporting a good cause and helping people out,” added Bailey Nelson.

All of the ticket sales and art auction bids will go directly to the Kamloops Food Bank ahead of their busy holiday season.

‘I really enjoy helping other people out because I’ve been in a position where I haven’t had food on the table. Just knowing that I am able to help other people, give them food and provide for them is just something that is really important to me,” said Chloe Anderson, who created some of the artwork and will be making bannock.

Throughout the student-led evening, the high school’s jazz club will be providing non-stop entertainment including your favorite Christmas tunes.

“I’ll also be performing just by myself with my guitar. We have been practicing over several weeks, getting a set list together. It will be fun to play for everyone at the [event],” said member of the jazz combo, Jake Northcott.

Those looking to buy the $25 tickets for the event next Thursday (Dec. 7) can stop by the main office at Westsyde Secondary School.