A close group of REALTORS® from three local brokerages support the Penticton Soupateria on a regular basis. Jeannie Cavallo, Geoff Cowling, and Debbie Desgagne of RE/MAX Front Street Realty, Brian Cutler and Grant Klatik of Coldwell Banker Okanagan Realty, and Judy Black of Royal LePage Locations West, along with a few other members of the community, come together every third Friday of the month to prepare a special meal for anyone who is in need.
Jeannie Cavallo got the group involved three years ago after driving past the Soupateria and seeing a line up down the street. “All these people that were waiting in line just to eat,” she remarks. “It made me realize how lucky I am to have what I have and I wanted to give back.”
Jeannie got the ball rolling by calling other REALTORS®, suggesting that they band together and give back to their community at the Soupateria. “We decided to take on the third Friday of every month,” she explains. “Each month, we are there and we try to make something special for these people that in most cases are eating this one meal a day. Each month, I buy the groceries, so we don’t take from the Soupateria’s limited budget, and we take turns deciding what we will make.”
Jeannie feels that it is important to make friends with her fellow REALTORS® and that her involvement in the Soupateria has been a great bonding experience. “We have all grown to be such great friends! I think we all realize how much we waste and take for granted,” she adds.
Brian Cutler agrees, “the soup kitchen gives us the chance to give back to those in challenging times and build relationships/friendships with fellow REALTORS®.”
“It is a great opportunity to give back to the community,” says Grant Klatik. “I find it very humbling to give back to those that really need it. We should all pay it forward. It could happen to anybody where assistance is needed. We are so fortunate!”
The Soupateria has operated since 1986. It is open for lunch 365 days a year. Attendance varies, but most often there are at least 100 diners each day. Anyone who is in need can enjoy a lunch of hot soup, a sandwich, and a dessert, socialize with others, and enjoy a welcoming environment where they feel respected. On major holidays, the guests enjoy a special sit-down turkey dinner.
The Soupateria relies solely on donations from the community to operate. Monetary donations, produce or commercially prepared food, as well as kitchen equipment, picnic tables, landscaping, and other miscellaneous items are welcomed. Donations can be dropped off to the Penticton Community Soupateria Society at 150 Orchard Avenue every day between 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
