Twenty years ago, a need was identified in Yorkton. The Soup Haven was founded in order to feed hungry people in Yorkton. The way they feed people has changed over the years, but one constant remains, the need to feed the hungry in Yorkton.
Marilyn Dyck, program director, has been with the Soup Haven for 15 years. She says it’s the community that makes things possible.
The program is funded by a government grant, as well as donations from local businesses. Yorkton Co-op, for example, runs a Christmas promotion with donations going to the Soup Haven, matching the amount donated from customers.
“The community has just come alongside us and it’s unbelievable.”
In the beginning, the Soup Haven did hot meals, but changed to bagged lunches at the request of the schools, though they still assist with hot lunches in some schools in the area. They feed approximately 300 kids in Yorkton daily.
“Whatever we have available, we will pass it on to the schools.”
They also run a community supper once a month at the Dream Centre, working with a different community group to put it on each time. The anniversary meal was prepared and served by the Painted Hand Casino volunteers. White Spruce donates their time to take down the supper and set up the Dream Centre again.
“We have about 150 people come out. There’s a need for this,” Dyck said.
The timing of the month also plays into how the Soup Haven schedules the community supper.
“This time of the month, we need this because people’s paychecks and cupboards are empty, and they’re hungry.”
Dyck would also like to thank the many volunteers, one of whom have been with the Soup Haven since the beginning. The volunteers work hard making sandwiches, Dyck said, and they make what the Soup Haven does possible.
Founder Kathy Connors retired at the end of 2014, but returned to celebrate the Soup Haven’s 20th anniversary. Happy to see that it is still going, she takes no credit for the success of the Soup Haven.
“It tells me that God was in charge. When we try to do things on our own it never works, but if you had walked the walk with us, you would have seen the outlandish things that God did to provide for us. I can’t take credit for it, it’s all God.”
