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Soup cooks life lessons for students

MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Ana Iancu and Chelsea Wilson, students from Pitt River middle school, carmelize the vegetables for the soup they’re making at Gallery Bistro that will be donated to a women’s shelter in the Tri-Cities.

 MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Ana Iancu and Chelsea Wilson, students from Pitt River middle school, carmelize the vegetables for the soup they're making at Gallery Bistro that will be donated to a women's shelter in the Tri-Cities.MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS Ana Iancu and Chelsea Wilson, students from Pitt River middle school, carmelize the vegetables for the soup they’re making at Gallery Bistro that will be donated to a women’s shelter in the Tri-Cities.

Big pots of hearty soup prepared by a group of teen girls from Pitt River middle school for women in a shelter might just help those girls from eventually needing its services.

Monday, about 10 students were at Gallery Bistro in Port Moody to chop vegetables and simmer broth for two 15-litre vats of hamburger soup and chicken noodle soup.

They also listened as Carol Metz-Murray, the director of Tri-City Transitions, spoke about its programs and the importance of forming healthy relationships. Another group will make more soup April 30.

Yolanda Broderick, the area chapter co-ordinator for Tri-Cities Soup Sisters, a national charitable enterprise that tries to make a difference for vulnerable women in shelters and children in crisis by making and donating soup, said the unique program was made possible with the support of RBC Investments. The kids learn about nutrition and a part of their community they may not know much about.

Lindsay Goodridge, the vice-principal at Pitt River middle, said working with the volunteers from Soup Sisters exposes the kids to caring and nurturing adults at a time in their lives when an empathetic ear or gentle guidance can make all the difference in the paths they choose.

“If you give them the confidence, one of these kids could realize their dream,” Goodridge said. “They see themselves in these roles and that they can do something.”

• To learn more about Soup Sisters, go to www.soupsisters.org.

mbartel@tricitynews.com

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