There was a tasty fundraiser in Sudbury over the noon hour Friday for the Elgin Street Mission. On a sunny day, the second annual Sensational Soup-Off was held outdoors in the city’s downtown. The fundraiser was held in the parking lot across from the Samaritan Centre. “We have had a lot of loss in the last week, and it has been a difficult winter for a lot of people … Soup -- we all love it and it warms the body, warms the heart,” said Amanda Labreche, Elgin Street Mission’s executive director. Several local establishments took part, offering an array of delicious and unique soups. Mayor Paul Lefebvre served as soup master. “Certainly, they give back so much to the community, to the most vulnerable who ae are able to help feed and they are at the forefront for that,” Lefebvre said. “They have been doing that for decades. We are just blessed to have so many volunteers and a great organization that do this on a daily basis.” Six judges were on hand to taste the soups, but were not told who made them. Police chief Sara Cunningham said the 13 participating restaurants all offered something delicious. “A wonderful fundraiser,” Cunnigham said. “All soups were ranging from perogy to seafood -- it’s just great.” “When somebody asks me to be a soup judge, absolutely I am in,” said Coop from Pure Country 91.7. “Soups were amazing as always, representing some amazing restaurants in the City of Greater Sudbury. But most importantly, the cause behind today is why we are all here in support of the Elgin Street Mission. They are unsung heroes in our community doing such incredible work.” Defending champion Friday’s winner was the defending champ, The Colonial Sports Bar in Coniston, with its perogy soup. “I am the chef and honestly, pretty happy,” said Kassandra Vandeligt. “Second year in a row. I am just really happy to be here and support the community. It’s a good feeling.” ‘We just think it’s a great cause,” added Andrea Clement, who works at the Colonial Sports Bar. “We want to help those who are less fortunate. And the Colonial was part of this last year we won last year, as well. So, we are super grateful to be here.” The Elgin Street Mission said it feeds about 350 people each day and offers clothing, showers and laundry facilities. Community fundraisers like the soup competition help them help people who need it.
