Project Potluck fights hate with love and food

A pop-uppotluck is bringing people together to sharelove,tolerance and food in Calgary this weekend.

In the wake of a deadly attack last Saturdayin Charlottesville, Va.,CBC Calgary food columnistJulie Van Rosendaalmade apassionate plea on Facebookto bring people together the best way she knows how withfood.

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Struck by the images of white supremacists in Charlottesville carrying tiki torches and "spewing hate," Van Rosendaal decided to take action by calling Calgarians to come together for a potluck on St. Patrick's Island on Sunday, August 20.

"At some point, you kind of have to do something beyond just stare at your computer and get caught up in the conversations online," Van Rosendaal said.

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"Social media is fantastic for sharing ideas and thoughts but you sort of end up in your own little bubble. And I wanted to reach beyond that group, you know?"

VanRosendaalhas certainly reached beyond the bubble as hercall to action has now beenshared thousands of times online and hasmore than 75,000 views.

'Food brings people together'

VanRosendaalsaid the event, now dubbed Project Potluck,is for people of all backgrounds to come together and discuss their similarities and difference over a meal.

"Food brings people together. There aren'tmany better ways to get to know somebody than around the table,"VanRosendaalsaid."And we share personal things when we share food. We share parts of our culture."

VanRosendaalsaid there are no requirements for what to bring to the potluck as longas you bring an open mind. She does recommend a picnic basket and a blanket so guests cansit and discuss ideas while enjoying good food and good company.

"I think it's just a way to enable as many people to do something in whatever way they can," VanRosendaalsaid."You know, keeping it simple, I think, is key."

'Love brings pie'

VanRosendaalsaid her idea has started to spread online and there are now satellite Project Potlucks sprouting up across Canada and the United States.

"I just got a tweet from someone in Colorado saying they're organizing something,"VanRosendaalsaid."There's one inVancouver, there's one inSalt Lake City, there's one in Medicine Hat. They're everywhere. It's fantastic."

The event will run from noon to 4 p.m.on St. Patrick's Island at The Rise, a large hill with a picnic area and playground.

The potluck picnic could end up runninginto the night if people want to stick around and commiserate about the state of the world, somethingVanRosendaalsaid people are needing with more and more radical views spreading online.

"Everyone needs some connection and some outlet to gain a better perspective and discuss where we go from here," VanRosendaalsaid.

"And to send the message that love is out here, too. And love brings pie."

More details on the event are available at the Dinner with Julie Facebook page.

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