Gorta and Restaurants Launch National Soup Week: 5th-11th March 2012
23rd January 2012
Celebrity chef, Derry Clarke helps launch Soup for Life with Gorta's Media Officer Deirdre Kingston at L’Ecrivain restaurant in Dublin.
Celebrity chef, Derry Clarke of L’Ecrivain restaurant (Dublin) today joined Gorta – the Freedom from Hunger Council of Ireland to announce that National Soup Week will run from March 5-11 next.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) is also encouraging people to support the campaign at participating restaurants nationwide. During the week, people can also run ‘Soup for Life’ events at home; in the workplace or in clubs, schools and colleges. The annual fundraising campaign encourages people to get out and sip some soup to help make hunger history.
‘Soup for Life’ is a fun, vibrant and positive campaign which is very much focused on participation across the country. This year, Gorta is encouraging people to get out and support their favourite eateries by participating in ‘Soup for Life’. For each bowl of soup sold by participating restaurants, cafes and venues from March 5-11, €1 will be donated to Gorta helping families in Uganda secure a bright future for themselves and their children.
Speaking at the launch, Gorta CEO Brian Hanratty said “Soup is a simple meal, which is full of nutrients and one which is enjoyed all across the globe. During ‘An Gorta Mór’ up to one third of the population was dependant on soup kitchens to survive. We are asking people to enjoy soup during National Soup Week with their friends, families and colleagues and in doing so make a contribution to our work with poor communities, especially in East Africa.”
He continued, “This unique campaign will raise funds to support a programme in Uganda which aims to alleviate hunger, originating from a lack of nutrients in women and children. All money raised will go towards providing seeds and seedlings; rooster hens and training and planning on nutrition and food security.”
Adrian Cummins, CEO of the RAI added, “This campaign is really a win/win situation when one thinks of the many struggling businesses there are in the restaurant sector, particularly in relation to independent retailers. This campaign is all about getting people out to their local eatery and supporting this initiative which will ultimately help those who are struggling to provide food for themselves and their families. The RAI are proud to partner with Gorta on ‘Soup for Life’ and I would urge all of our members to get involved.”
The campaign was a huge success last year, with many fine eateries taking part including the Avoca Group, Cornucopia, Itsa, Wagamama and the Insomnia Coffee Company in Dublin and Café Paradiso, Blair’s Inn, Amicus and The Cornstore in Cork. ‘Soup for Life’ was also supported by Cork’s food entrepreneurs Cully & Sully, who donated 5c per carton of soup sold throughout the week.
For more information log onto www.soupforlife.ie
