Adelaide has seen a surge in the number of people seeking support from organisations like Hutt St Centre and Catherine House this winter.
The rising cost of living, lack of affordable housing, and recent interest rate increases have created a perfect storm, increasing the risk of homelessness for many individuals and families. However, a ray of hope shines through as East End Cellars steps forward for the fifth consecutive year to raise funds for these organisations by hosting the Winter Soup Kitchen.
Over the next six Thursdays, Adelaide’s most prominent chefs will come together at East End Cellars to cook and serve hearty soups to the public.
Not only will these culinary experts showcase their skills, but prominent business personalities will also join in as waiters and kitchen hands, having some fun while supporting the noble cause of ending homelessness.
The idea for the Winter Soup Kitchen was conceived by Margie Andrewartha, co-owner of East End Cellars, five years ago. The inspiration struck her while driving through the city on a winter’s night with her daughter, where she witnessed women and their young families lining up for food at a soup van. Since then, she has collaborated with renowned chef Simon Bryant to make the event a reality.
“Times are especially tough at the moment, and we know more people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Whether it’s being unable to pay rent, battling the cost of living, or fleeing domestic and family violence or a relationship breakdown,” said Margie Andrewartha.
“We’re in a fortunate position where we have hospitality skills that we can use to raise awareness of the struggles they’re facing, and we can give back to the community with the support of business leaders and those who are looking for a hearty winter feed at lunch.”
This winter, Hutt St Centre will support an average of 150 people at risk of or experiencing homelessness
each day. In particular, the number of women seeking support has grown by 24 per cent since last winter.
The team at Hutt St Centre walks alongside people on their journey to homefulness – a word used to
describe the feeling of safety, control and confidence that comes with having a place you want to call
home. Through services like healthy meals, hot showers, laundry and locker facilities, health check-ups, and connection with support to explore housing, work and study opportunities, Hutt St Centre empowers
people to rebuild their lives and change their circumstances for good.
Catherine House provides crisis, longer term accommodation and support services for women experiencing homelessness and is the only service providing this support in South Australia. Catherine House supports women with the immediate issues created by homelessness and supports every woman in planning a future that helps her sustain stable housing and builds a life that is meaningful and purposeful for her.
How donations can help Hutt St Centre and Catherine House:
• $21 can provide breakfast, lunch and professional advice in a safe, welcoming place at Hutt St
Centre
• $25 allows a Catherine House client to receive a gift card to support any immediate needs she may
have
• $50 provides a Welcome Pack for a woman arriving at Catherine House
• $97 can provide essential health and wellbeing support for a person sleeping rough like a hot
shower, laundry and locker facilities, and health check-ups at Hutt St Centre
• $152 provides a night of safe and secure accommodation for a woman experiencing homelessness
at Catherine House.
Each week celebrity chefs will donate their time to prepare signature soups, including executive chef and former Tasting Australia curator Simon Bryant, Africola’s Duncan Welgemoed, Hentley Farm’s Clare Falzon, Magill Estate’s Jamie Laing, Chianti’s Josh Cooke backed by the wonderful Maria Favaro and Fino’s David Swain and effervescent Sharon Romeo.
Business identities who assist on the day as waiters and kitchen hands, will include Sarah Constructions directors James and Tim Sarah, Commercial & General CEO Jamie McClurg, Social Policy’s Matt Clemow, Turner Real Estate’s Lachlan Turner and VAILO founder Aaron Hickmann.
The Detmold Group has donated takeaway bowls, cutlery and packaging for soups sold on the day. Adelaide’s Finest Supermarkets has also donated produce for the chefs to make their unique soups.
There will also be a silent auction of top South Australian wines, and the proceeds of Coopers beer sold at East End Cellars during each Soup Kitchen will go towards Hutt St Centre and Catherine House.
For more information, click here.
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