Soup nights help community projects

More than $900 was raised through door sales to help fund community projects last week at the seventh Bunbury Neighbourhood Soup night.

Three speakers pitched their projects to more than 90 people, who paid a $10 donation to enjoy a bowl of soup and share ideas, before voting on a project they think benefits the city most.

Bunbury Neighbourhood Soup committee member Susie Delaporte said the concept involved giving presenters the opportunity to discuss their community projects in front of an audience.

“It was a successful evening, all the three presenters were fantastic,” she said.

“The Neighbourhood Soup night is really a fantastic opportunity for the community to support projects in Bunbury

“And it’s a great way for not-for-profit organisations to raise some funds easily, with less rules attached.”

The winner for the evening was the peer-led organisation O.U.T South West, which stands for Our Umbrella Term.

O.U.T South West provides a “safe space” for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth in Bunbury and the surrounding areas.

Member Alec Barber said the money would help the group find a venue and for more resources.

“There used to be a support group in Bunbury called True Colours but funding was cut, so O.U.T was started to provided support for youth by youth, with the help of adults,” he said.

O.U.T member Izzy Wood said mental health within the LGBTIQ community had been big,

“It’s important that there is a support network for people in the area,” Izzy said.

“Having this support really gives you your confidence back.”

You can follow O.U.T South West’s progress on Facebook.