Features

Do you have an idea that could benefit the local community – but need advice, help and some cash to get you started?

If so, then on Thursday 3 December from 6pm ‘til 8pm, the first bi-monthly Swindon Soup event is being held at Excalibur Communications, Arclite House, Century Road (SN5 5YN) in association with The Ocelot and Positive Media Group, where three groups will be given the opportunity to pitch their ideas.

The three organisations that will be pitching are Inner Flame, Wrong Shoes Theatre Company and Meet, Eat & Learn Community group.

Sara Witham, Marketing Manager at Excalibur Communications, said: “It costs £5 to attend (you can donate more if you wish), and at the end of the evening, the cash goes to the person whose idea has received the most votes.

“It’s certainly not only about the money.  Swindon Soup is a not-for-profit organisation, where people can create or develop something that they feel would benefit the local community, with ideas that could range from urban agriculture, art, justice and social entrepreneurship”.

The ‘Eat, Connect, Share and Vote’ concept began in Detroit, to make a very positive difference to the local community.  Created in 2010 by Amy Kaheri, Detroit Soup has gone on to stage over 100 dinners, raising over $100,000 for Detroiters by Detroiters.  Past winners have included the Empowerment Plan, which makes coats for the homeless that double up as sleeping bags, and Rebel Nell, a jewellery-making business whose owners employ disadvantaged women.

To attend the event you need to register on the website beforehand just so the organisers have an idea of how many people need to be catered for with soup. You can also register as an organisation or indivicual to pitch at a future event at www.swindonsoup.com