No day off for Soupateria volunteers in Penticton

PENTICTON – While many people in Penticton took today off, not so for the volunteers at Penticton Soupateria.

They were kept busy through the noon hour serving clients at the Martin Street kitchen, Dec. 28.

Soupateria cook Pat Witzraney says the kitchen has been serving a few less people in the last week, down from winter averages of approximately 135 or so daily. He thinks the drop is due to the generosity of the community.

“In the past few weeks, there have been a number of church groups providing similar services, including hamper programs. The community is extremely generous. It’s a combined effort amongst various groups, and that’s what makes this community special,” Witzraney says.

Snow over the weekend may also have restricted those with mobility issues, he says.

“I used to come every day. It’s a good place to eat. You always get food, and sometimes I get some to go,” Soupateria client Bob Dean says.

Monday’s menu consisted of chili, vegetable soup, a sandwich and a number of different salads. Dessert included trays of baked goods including muffins and donuts.

Witzraney says the volunteers are a dedicated group who really enjoy what they do, and often tell him they get way more out of volunteering than they put in.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.