The Soup Kitchen
Feeding Community
For over four decades, The Soup Kitchen’s small but mighty group of volunteers have been a reliable source of warmth, kindness, and compassion for those in those in need in Victoria. Murray and Edna Black, our founders, would be proud of this steadfast commitment to our diners.
Volunteering at The Soup Kitchen is a great way to start your day! The diners we serve are so appreciative and the team members I work with are always friendly and gracious.
40,000 Meals each year
Our Volunteers
As a volunteer-run organization, with no paid staff, The Soup Kitchen relies on the support of over 100 dedicated individuals – drawn from across the community. Without our volunteers we would not be able to serve almost 40,000 meals each year to our hungry diners.
Our loyal volunteers put in countless hours to ensure that all who walk through the door are fed a nourishing meal, every Monday through Friday – rain or shine and even on holidays! These special people chop vegetables, make soup and sandwiches, wash dishes and serve our diners, always with a friendly face and positive attitude.
This was the beginning of The Soup Kitchen (although it was originally known as The 9–10 Club Serving Soup to the Hungry). The first meal, consisting of a hearty homemade soup, bread and butter, tea and coffee, was served on Friday, November 12, 1982.
40 years of volunteering
Meet a Volunteer
Doreen Keizer is the longest serving volunteer and has been with The Soup Kitchen for over 40 years! Her dedication to feeding the hungry is unwavering and she loves being connected to the community. She has come to know many of the diners over the years and has fond memories of listening to their stories and being a part of their lives – she was even invited for a tea and muffin at McDonald’s by one of the couples who have been coming to the Soup Kitchen for many years. She says that “it warms her heart when she walks through downtown, and the diners say “hi” to her.” Over the years, Doreen has had several roles in The Soup Kitchen, but currently oversees the personal hygiene table on Fridays.
Meet Doreen Keizer
Having Fun with a sense of purpose
Join a Great Team
Our friendly volunteers of all ages and diverse backgrounds work together to “feed the hungry” of Victoria. Most individuals assist one morning a week, based upon their personal schedule.
Here are ways you can help:
- Are you an early morning riser? The morning service can include sandwich making, coffee and tea preparation/serving, ladling soup, bagging meals, serving diners, clean up and dishwashing. The hours are 7:00 am to 10:30 am, Monday to Friday.
- Like to cook? Our soup makers volunteer one morning per week, Monday to Friday, from 4:00 am to 6:00 am. Lifting required.
- Do you have a free evening? Cobs Bread Bakery pickup and delivery. Bread pickup at store (2178 Oak Bay Avenue) and delivery to The Soup Kitchen. One evening per week, Monday to Thursday, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This position requires a large car, SUV, or van. Lifting required.
- Busy schedule? The veggie crew prepares and bags the vegetables used each morning for our nutritious soup. Every 6 weeks on Friday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm.
Become a Volunteer
Sign Up Today
If you like working in a kitchen setting, meeting new people and making an invaluable contribution to alleviating food insecurity within the downtown community, then volunteer at The Soup Kitchen.
Click here to download a PDF version of application form.