A CHARITY that helps provide children with school uniforms has been given a helping hand thanks to a new event, Wokingham Soup.
Organised by care provider Optalis, the event provides a bowl of soup and a chance for charities to pitch their community project to those assembled.
A vote is then taken for the project attendees are most inspired by, with the winner receiving a donation.
This month’s event was held at the Westmead Centre and walking away with the cash pot was School Days, a project set up in partnership between First Days Children’s Charity and Wokingham United Charity.
The scheme works to provide children aged 4-16 with preloved school uniforms and equipment, supporting Wokingham families in need.
The received £250, which will be spent on uniforms and school equipment when a preloved option isn’t available.
Jodie Reichelt, Customer Experience Champion at Optalis, commented; “The SOUP event gives local people a fantastic opportunity to create new connections and support projects happening in their area.
“We are delighted with how the evening went. It was rewarding to see the support for local projects and see everyone coming together to discuss ideas and share resources.
“We’d also like to wish School Days every success for the future, and hope this donation will be of benefit to the families they work with.”
Lindsay Browne, School Days Project Co-ordinator, added: “Thank you so much for allowing School Days to be part of the event and even better the project was the recipient of £250. An amazing bunch of people attended and it was so nice to hear that the value of the project is being recognised and so many people are keen to help where they can.
“What an amazing community we are all part of.”
Two other local organisations, Wokingham Garden Share and Just Around the Corner (JAC) also attended the event and pitched their ideas to the community.
Along with bread and refreshments, SOUP made by the Optalis Bridge that Gap café and Munchbox was served at the event.
Bridge That Gap café and Munchbox provide individuals with learning disabilities an opportunity to gain customer service skills by serving freshly made lunches whilst working towards paid employment.
SOUP Events originated in Detroit where communities developed the idea of crowdfunding for local people and causes. The idea has since been introduced to communities across the UK, with this event the second to take place in the Wokingham area.
