‘Overwhelming sense of gratitude’ as Victoria gathers for Souper Bowl of Hope

What started with a bowl of soup has grown into one of Victoria’s most heartfelt fundraisers. On Thursday, the Souper Bowl of Hope once again brought hundreds together at the Union Club of British Columbia to support youth in need across Greater Victoria. Now in its 26th year, the annual event raises money for the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (YES), which helps more than 1,000 young people each year through programs addressing homelessness, addiction, mental health, and food insecurity. This year’s funds will focus on three key areas: the organization’s new youth food pantry, employment skill-building programs, and wellness and mental health supports. Each relies heavily on donations to operate. “Our new food pantry takes up an entire floor of our building at 533 Yates St.,” said YES executive director Julie-Ann Hunter. “Youth can come in for groceries, toiletries, clothing, and school supplies. We even offer cooking and wellness classes, so it feels like a welcoming, supportive space instead of something to be ashamed of.” The Souper Bowl of Hope, first started in 1998 by longtime community leader Helen Hughes, blends creativity and compassion in a distinctly Victoria way. Guests choose handcrafted bowls made by local potters, sample several of gourmet soups, and take part in a silent auction, all in support of youth empowerment. “It’s a really special event,” Hunter said. “It’s about more than just soup. It’s about learning how we can all support youth in our community.” Hunter, who has worked with YES for 18 years and now leads the organization, said this year’s crowd of more than 160 people left her feeling deeply encouraged. “It’s this overwhelming sense of gratitude,” she said. “Every year you wonder what’s going to happen, and to see this many people show up for the young people of our community just fills me with hope.” In 2024, YES provided more than 4,000 meals and basic needs support to over 640 youth, along with daily access to showers, clothing, and counselling. “People really want to know how to help now,” Hunter said. “Every year, more people are interested in what we do and how they can get involved. That’s what keeps this event so meaningful.” Donations to YES can be made year-round online or by dropping off food, clothing, or school supplies at their downtown office. “It’s about giving youth the tools to move forward,” Hunter said. “Because sometimes they come to us not feeling worthy of support, and our job is to show them just how amazing they really are.” web1_251024-vne-souperbowl-soup_2 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/shared/feeds/gps/2025/10/web1_251024-vne-souperbowl-soup_2.jpg;w=960]Levi Price of the Victoria Fire Department serves soup to one of the 160 attendees on Thursday. (Tony Trozzo/Victoria News) web1_251024-vne-souperbowl-soup_4 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/shared/feeds/gps/2025/10/web1_251024-vne-souperbowl-soup_4.jpg;w=960]Youth Empowerment Society executive director Julie-Ann Hunter has been with the agency for 18-years. (Tony Trozzo/Victoria News) web1_251024-vne-souperbowl-soup_5 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/shared/feeds/gps/2025/10/web1_251024-vne-souperbowl-soup_5.jpg;w=960]The Union Club of British Columbia played host to the 26th annual Souper Bowls of Hope. (Tony Trozzo/Victoria News) web1_251024-vne-souperbowl-soup_6 [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/shared/feeds/gps/2025/10/web1_251024-vne-souperbowl-soup_6.jpg;w=960]Kris Jeffrey poses with one of the hundreds of handmade bowls that patrons got to pick prior to collecting their soup. (Tony Trozzo/Victoria news)