On Friday, February 27th, the Empty Bowls fundraiser returned for its 22nd year of raising money dedicated to tackling food insecurity in Peterborough Previously supported by the YWCA Nourish Food Program, this year, the baton was passed on to OneCity Peterborough, who worked in partnership with the Kawartha Potters Guild to make the event possible.

Empty Bowls 2026 was hosted by the Showplace Performance Centre, and featured an assembly of local restaurants and vendors, as well as a selection of ceramic bowls handmade by members of the Kawartha Potters Guild, each one to be taken home by ticket holders.

A silent auction was held for specialty bowls, with the proceeds going towards funding One City’s daily meal program at Trinity Community Centre, which serves over 250 meals a day, and provided 93,000 meals to community members just last year.

“[Empty Bowls] is going to continue, that’s for certain,” said Sue Flanagan, Chair of the Kawartha Potters Guild. “This year has been a joy for me—and also a nightmare—because this is the first year we’ve had a silent auction, which was my idea. It was the first year we did pots with One City for outreach … and I didn’t know how they were going to turn out, and they’ve all turned out fantastic. I’m so proud of the work they’ve done…I hope they love it as much as I love it.”

One City also spoke about their gratitude for being able to work with the Kawartha Potters Guild, and the importance of their alliance.

“[Empty Bowls] used to be a fundraiser for the YWCA,” said Michael Vanderherberg, OneCity’s Director of Property Development. “To have the support from the Kawartha Potters Guild as that event now transfers to us … it could have gone many different ways but … even just chatting with the various Kawartha Potters Guild members here today, I think this is a relationship that will continue for years to come.”

Vanderherberg also referenced the challenges when fundraising for a non-profit organisation such as One City.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

“This time of year, in February,” he said, “it’s hard to raise money for an organisation. It’s a bit of a dry month, and to have such a successful event that is so well supported by the Kawartha Potters Guild … and to be recipients of their generosity, is an honour.”

Empty Bowls 2026 could not have been facilitated without the participation of the community. Local restaurants generously donated their food and time, including but not limited to Sam’s Place, La Mesita Restaurante, and Hanoi House. Cornerstone Family Dentistry also returned as a sponsor.

“We know that food insecurity is a really big problem in our city … so we like to help wherever we can,” said Andrea Plumley, who was representing Hanoi House. “I know that Susan [Ting], the owner [of Hanoi House], really values community, and she remembers being a child … and people needing a good meal, and the social benefits to that as well."

Mackenzie Clark-Smith, One City’s Fundraising and Communications Coordinator, delivered a message to those who are looking to get involved in their community as well.

“One City takes volunteers in different programs,” said Clark-Smith. “It kind of depends on what’s available at the time, who’s needing volunteers. We have lots of volunteers who help cook and serve food in the kitchen. Oftentimes there’s rotating volunteers. Sometimes we’ll bring in groups who … do a big cooking session with our team … We also have other volunteer opportunities for other programs since we do so many different things, and our website always has updated volunteer positions if anyone wants to get involved.”

Empty Bowls 2026 was a resounding success thanks to the efforts of One City and the Kawartha Potters Guild and their sponsors, along with all of those who showed up in support of their community in the fight against food insecurity.

To donate to One City Peterborough or learn how you can get involved, please visit their website for more information.