By Katlyn Stoneburner – Features Editor

It was 30 minutes until the sale began, but cars were already lining Moulton Hill as eager crowds gathered around the folding tables set up in the driveway of Lucy Doheny Pottery. Hands of admiration reached out to pick up and examine the colourful bowls that adorned the tables, each one a unique creation crafted for a cause. As participants eagerly awaited the official start of Empty Bowls Lennoxville, Bols du Partage, the community’s annual fundraiser for food security, excitement and solidarity filled the crisp fall air.

“It’s a Lennoxville rite of passage to have a Lucy Doheny bowl in your home,” said one participant, capturing the event’s significance to the community. Now in its 11^th edition, Empty Bowls Lennoxville, Bols du Partage has become a cherished tradition, drawing people to select one-of-a-kind handmade bowls. The event is a collaborative effort, with Lucy Doheny, Kat Owen and Taylor Passmore putting their time and talents to create a vibrant collection of unique bowls.

Doheny, whose driveway has served as the venue for the past few years, contributed her own hand-thrown pieces to the tables. The colourful ceramics varied in size, shape, and texture, allowing attendees to choose a bowl that resonated with them personally. “Each bowl represents both the emptiness that some families experience and the hope that comes from community support,” a participant expressed as they roamed the driveway searching for their desired bowl. As a symbolic gesture to reinforce the purpose of the event, no food is served in the creations, ensuring that the bowls remain “empty.” This element of the fundraiser drives home the message of Empty Bowls—to raise awareness and empathy for those who struggle with food insecurity.

Attendees, including families, friends and solo supporters, browsed the tables, discussing their favourite designs and reflecting on the purpose of their purchase. This year’s event was a heartfelt reminder of the power of community and the generosity of Lennoxville’s residents, who continue to show up year after year.

This year’s Empty Bowls Lennoxville, Bols du Partage event was a remarkable success. Each bowl, sold at $25, contributed to an impressive total of nearly $7000 according to a post on the event’s Facebook page. Over the past decade, this community initiative has raised an inspiring $80,000, all of which directly supports local food banks, enabling them to stock up on fresh produce, pantry essentials, and other critical items.

As the day concluded, attendees left with more than just a piece of pottery—they carried with them a piece of Lennoxville’s spirit. Each bowl symbolised the community’s dedication to ensuring that no bowl remains empty, a powerful reminder of the impact that can be achieved when a community comes together for a shared cause.