The seventh annual empty bowls fundraiser is taking place tomorrow (July 1) on Historic Main Street.

The one-day event allows you to pick out a beautifully handcrafted one of a kind bowl while bringing awareness to hunger in our local community.

Nicole Snider, the owner of Saffron Collective Studios, says for a $20 donation you get to pick out a bowl or mug, get filled up with food or drink from a participating restaurant with proceeds going to support the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank.

While you may think Cochrane doesn't have a hunger problem, Snider, says you may be surprised. "I think a lot of people assume we don't have a problem but the numbers I have been hearing from the Activettes is the numbers keep rising as well as the kids' lunch and breakfast programs. It's really shocking how many hampers are going out and how many lunches they are delivering."

This year 200 bowls and mugs will be set up in front of Addies on Historic Main Street (420 First Street West)  and Snider is hopeful all will be purchased.

It takes all year for the 30 different artists to craft and finish the different pieces and this year's theme is Canadiana. "We have been having fun with it. We have lots of maple leaves, moose and different Canadiana themes in all our pieces."

You can pick up your bowl anytime between 11 am and 4 pm tomorrow while filling your tummy and the tummies of others in our community.

Participating restaurants in this year's Empty Bowl Fundraiser are listed below:

  • Mehab East Indian Cuisine
  • Ducks on the Roof Sports Bar and Grill
  • Cobs
  • Guys Cafe and Bakery
  • Mackay's Ice Cream
  • Schooners on First