Moncton's Soupfest raises money for single parents

With the cold and blowing snow outside,this is the perfect weather for a bowl of hot, nourishing soup, which is exactly what the organization behindSoupfestis counting on.

Moncton's Support to Single Parents holds its 11th annual Soupfest on Tuesday, with 24 restaurants on board to share a warmbowl in the name ofa good cause.

NancyHartling,executive director of the group,saidthe event was an immediate success, with a massive turnout right from the start.

"The first year, we did it kind of blindly.We didn't know what we were doing or how we were doing it.

"We had 800people show up at themarket and that was a bit of a crowd ...Monctonlikes festivals," said Hartling.

Aida Chen, the co-owner ofCintaRia,a popular Malaysian restaurant in downtownMonctonsaid she ishappy to be a part of this year's event.

"Soupfest, actually they approached us.We think it's a good cause, to be part of the community," said Chen.

Support to Single Parents hopes to raise $12,000 withthis event to helpfund workshops and support services.