That would be this year’s United Way campaign, for which Carleton has hosted such events as a delectable soup cook-off and a frisky polar bear dip.

The Sprott School of Business held its third annual soup kitchen in Dunton Tower Nov. 11. The event featured more than 20 different soups, chilies, stews and chowders, some donated by local restaurants and others contributed by Sprott faculty, staff and students.

The event was one of many in this year’s United Way campaign, which began on Oct. 21. The money raised will go toward children and youth programs, such as breakfast clubs, homework clubs, programs for autistic children, and outreach programs.

As of Nov. 11 it was announced that the campaign had already raised over $118,000. The goal is to match last year’s total of $150,000.

Cindy Halden, who organized this year’s soup kitchen, said she was pleased with the turnout. She introduced the cook-off aspect of the event, arranging for three professionally trained judges to select the most outstanding dishes.

“I wanted to make it a little competitive this year,” she said.

The first-place winner, a vegetable curry soup, was brewed up by cooks from Stoneface Dolly’s. Second place went to Puzzles restaurant, and third was secured by Sprott professor Shibu Pal.   

Jerry Tomberlin, the dean of Sprott, was found enjoying a bowl of the prizewinning curry.

“This is a great community-building event,” he said. “Getting everyone involved, staff and students.”

Nigel Kay, a fourth-year Sprott student, had a few favourites: the roasted red pepper and the bratwurst and potato soups, for starters. He said he enjoyed the variety, despite the lack of chicken noodle in particular.

“I’ve gone through more than 20 bowls,” he said, smiling. “I want to try a little bit of everything.”

The event raised more than $450 for the United Way campaign.

The campaign was kicked off with a similar soup lunch, held in Fenn lounge. Other events included a pub night at Oliver’s, a polar bear dip, and various draws.  The campaign comes to a close on Nov. 13, with the “Psych-o-Chef” cook-off between psychology department faculty, staff and students.

Another highlight of the campaign was the Frisky Polar Bear Dip, held at Westboro Beach.

A small crowd gathered to watch Chantal Dion wade into the freezing water and emerge $800 richer in donations for the United Way campaign.

Wrapped in a thick towel, Dion explained that as an educator she has a direct attachment to children and youth causes. She is co-chair of this year’s campaign, and is a French professor at Carleton. She has also taught French at primary schools and high schools.

“I’ve seen kids come to school with no breakfast, and it doesn’t make sense. For me this charity is a natural thing.”

Cathy Nolan, a representative of the United Way who attended the dip as a spectator, said she is pleased with Carleton’s efforts towards raising money for Children and Youth programs.

“It’s a great cause. All youth deserve equal opportunity,” Nolan said.

Dion said the dip was a first for the United Way. It was inspired by the New Years Day annual polar bear swim, another charity fundraiser which Dion has attended.

She joked that while most people were hesitant to join her in the icy water, they were more than happy to pledge her. As a result she beat her total of pledges from last year by almost $200.

“The water is very, very cold, but today is a lucky day.”

“I would never do it,” Nolan laughed. “Kudos to Chantal.”

Dion also said the cause naturally rallies people. Pledges are not bound by the theme of the event, so people can always target certain charities when they donate money.

The goal for next year, said Dion and Nolan, is to gather additional participants – the more who are willing to chill for charity, the better.