Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce have announced SOUL as the first ever charity partner of the luncheon to be held on March 19.
The Soup Patrol distributes food to homeless people in a van two nights a week in Rockingham, while offering care packages from its kitchen headquarters on Keppell Avenue.
Patty Powell, co-founder of SOUL Soup Patrol and SOUL Care, said the group really appreciated the support from the Chamber, especially from Malibu Fresh Essentials’ Basil Paparone.
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READ NOW“For us it’s fantastic because we’re not government funded – whatever is given (to us) is given out,” she said.
Ms Powell said SOUL was all about helping those who are struggling and trying to get them back on their feet.
“Homely food gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling and that’s what we try give them because it’s hard for them with nowhere to go,” she said.
“We had one occasion where we were helping at Bunnings and this man came up to us and said ‘you have the best soup’ and he said ‘I have to say that I was homeless and now I have a job; I just want thank you’ and that’s great to actually see someone that you’ve helped.”
Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tony Solin said he was proud to have committed $10,000 to SOUL and partner with them for this year’s Long Table Lunch.
“We’re proud to support a local charity helping people less fortunate,” he said.
“Hopefully more businesses can get involved and help SOUL soup kitchen too as it’s a worthwhile charity.”
Tickets to the lunch sold out in under an hour.