Tavistock well represented – and well tasted – at Soups On fundraiser in Stratford

Tavistock’s Rozendal family attends Soups On each year. From left are Jaeden, Terry, Lexi and Jaxen Rozendal, who said choosing a favourite soup was nearly impossible because they enjoyed them all. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Tavistock connections were easy to spot at Saturday’s Soups On fundraiser in Stratford, where residents from the village and surrounding area turned out in strong numbers to support the Alzheimer Society of Huron-Perth – and where a Tavistock-made soup quickly became one of the most talked-about offerings of the day.

The annual fundraiser, held at the Stratford Rotary Complex, drew a capacity crowd eager to sample soups prepared by about 30 local restaurants, businesses and organizations. Among them was Tavistock craft brewery and restaurant MadMash, which proved it could do more than beer. Its homemade cock-a-leekie soup earned rave reviews and steady lineups throughout the event.

Twin brothers Will and Cole Churchward were kept busy ladling soup as word spread across the hall that the MadMash offering was a must-try. The soup was both gluten-free and dairy-free, making it especially popular with attendees who had dietary restrictions. MadMash owners Jon Ross and Chad James said they were happy to take part for a second year and proud to support a cause that affects so many local families. They added they plan to return next year with another house-made recipe.

Soups On once again featured a wide variety of flavours, including beef noodle, smoked chicken chowder, mushroom French onion, cheesy bacon cauliflower, coconut curry, chicken pot pie, pork wonton and tandoori cauliflower. Many attendees arrived prepared with tart tins holding six or eight sample cups and their own spoons, settling in to enjoy both the food and the social atmosphere. Tasters were also invited to vote for their favourites, with a People’s Choice award announced at the end of the event.

While the fundraiser draws support from across the region, Tavistock residents were especially visible throughout the afternoon. Families and groups of friends used the event as a chance to reconnect, compare soup notes and contribute to an organization that provides education, respite and support services for individuals living with dementia and their families across Huron and Perth counties.

Among those attending were members of the Rozendal family from Tavistock, who said Soups On has become an annual tradition. Their daughters admitted picking a favourite soup was nearly impossible, describing them all as “yummy.”

Behind the scenes, Tavistock volunteers also played a key role in the event’s success. Local residents helped organize and run the popular silent auction, which featured donated items from businesses and organizations throughout the region and raised significant additional funds for the Alzheimer Society.

Organizers thanked Tavistock and other area communities for their continued support, noting that events like Soups On not only raise critical funds but also bring people together around a cause that touches many lives.