Volunteer

The Soup Kitchen

Feeding Community

For over four decades, The Soup Kitchen’s small but mighty group of volunteers have been serving our community in downtown Victoria. Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds and bring their life experience, wisdom and kindness, to our meal service. They are a source of warmth and compassion for many in our community. Our founders, Murray and Edna Black, would be proud of their 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.

Richard Thom, Volunteer

40,000 Meals each year

Our Volunteers

As a volunteer-run organization, The Soup Kitchen relies on the support of over 120 dedicated individuals, from around our community. Without our incredible volunteers, we simply would not be able to do what we do – to feed community with compassion, dignity and respect.

Our loyal volunteers put in countless hours to ensure that all who walk through our doors are served a warm, nourishing meal. Monday through Friday, rain or shine, and even on holidays, our volunteers are there chopping vegetables for soups, making soup and sandwiches, serving meals and washing dishes.

On November 12, 1982 the first meal at The Soup Kitchen was served. It consisted of a hearty homemade soup, bread and butter, tea and coffee. Today, thanks to the personal commitment of our volunteers, diners enjoy a protein-rich soup, sandwich, boiled egg, two pieces of fruit, and sweets to go with their coffee or tea.

44 years of volunteering

Meet a Volunteer

Doreen Keizer is the longest serving volunteer at The Soup Kitchen and has been a big part of our volunteer team for 44 years. Her dedication and commitment 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 incredible volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and life experience and work together to help us in our goal – to feed our community.

Most volunteers, assist one morning a week, based on their personal schedule.

Here are some different ways you can help out at The Soup Kitchen:

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 5:00 am to 6:30 am. Lifting required.
Do you have a free morning? Galey Morningside Egg Farm pickup and delivery.

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.

Privacy Policy

Personal Information of Our Volunteers

The Soup Kitchen is committed to protecting the privacy of our volunteers. We collect personal information for the purpose of managing our volunteer program, communicating with volunteers, and ensuring the safety and security of our organization and its activities.

Click here to read our Privacy Policy.