You’ve heard of Dragon’s Den, but Soup Dragon?
For the first time since the pandemic, a live crowdfunding event will return to Christchurch, giving young people the chance to pitch their community project ideas and win up to £1,000 in funding.
The event, which takes place tomorrow at the GodFirst Church, will feature seven pitches from schools and groups such as the Girl Guides.
Each group will have five minutes to present their project while attendees enjoy a bowl of home-cooked soup and bread roll. Votes will be cast by placing empty soup bowls next to the most favoured project.
“It’s a great opportunity for young people to plan, work together, learn new skills, and produce something for the wider community,” said Sandra Prudom, CEO of Christchurch Community Partnership, which is organising the event. “There is a wide variety of projects being pitched, from an outdoor book corner to Christmas gift bags.”
Entry costs £5, with the winner receiving a share of a £1,000 prize pot, while remaining funds will be divided among other projects.
This year’s focus is on projects led by and for young people, a first for the Soup Dragon event. While the initiative has its roots in the United States, it has been running for several years in Christchurch.
Previous winners include community initiatives such as the WaterLily Café and Somerford Arc.
The prize fund for the winning project starts at £1,000, but can grow, depending on the number of attendees, and will also be match-funded by a ‘Secret Dragon’.
The event will feature a performance by the Swing Unlimited Community Band.
Prudom said: “This event is a brilliant opportunity for the adults of Christchurch to show their encouragement for young people. And it’s also good fun!”
See more about the Soup Dragon event.
The cover image, an abstract representation of community spirit at the Soup Dragon Event, was produced with Midjourney.
