OLDS — An experiment to take the soup kitchen in Olds outdoors and serve chili dogs instead of soup was a huge success, an organizer says.
It went so well that more such events are expected to be held again in the future.
On the evening of June 19, People were lined up from 54th Street to the gazebo to obtain free chili dogs and fixings.
Just under $2,600 was raised for Kirsten’s Place, the emergency shelter under construction nearby.
The event, called “the Clint's kitchen free chili dog extravaganza,” was held with the assistance of the Rotary Club of Olds, several local businesses and the town of Olds.
“We were humbled by the incredible community participation,” pastor Olav Traa of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church wrote in an email.
He and Clint Jackson organize the soup kitchen. It’s been running every Wednesday evening since Feb. 14.
While the number of people who showed up June 19 is not known, Traa said it far surpassed maximum occupancy for a room in St. Paul’s where the soup kitchen has been held previously.
Jake Peters and Simon LaRoche entertained the crowd with their music.
Despite the massive crowd, organizers didn’t run out of supplies.
“The Rotary Club was very generous in their support. We have enough stored for more events,” Traa wrote.
And there will be more outdoor events “most definitely,” he added.
“The Catholic Women’s League happened to be on duty this week,” Traa wrote.
“They helped serve alongside a team of Rotarians. But really, it could have been any of the wonderfully dedicated teams of Clint’s Kitchen volunteers. Without our fantastic volunteers, none of this would have been possible.”
Traa is grateful for all the help organizers received from the town, local businesses and the Rotary Club.
“Most of all, we would like to thank everyone who came out and waited patiently while we made chili dogs, a hundred at a time,” Traa wrote.
“For Clint and I, we were just so grateful for the good will and good cheer of everyone present. We ended the day with our hearts filled with the hope of just how amazing community and fellowship can be.”
