The MPs and peers braved the rain to show their support for Soup Kitchen Challenge Day, a brand new and exciting date in the charity fundraising calendar created by New Covent Garden Food Co, which asks people to host a soup lunch for their family, friends and work colleagues in return for a small donation towards The Salvation Army.
The event served as the official launch for the fundraising partnership between New Covent Garden Food Co and The Salvation Army and was attended by politicians including John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, Alistair Burt, Jim Dobbin, Simon Hughes, Lembit Öpik and Stephen Timms.
Mr Bercow gave his support to the campaign, saying: "The Salvation Army is a fantastic organisation which embodies all that is best in the human spirit. Any opportunity to support it is an opportunity to be taken if at all possible.
"At all times, but particularly at Christmas those of us who are fortunate to have food and shelter and more besides have a responsibility to think about people who, for whatever reason, haven't got that physical or material security or the peace of mind that it brings."
Mr Burt said: "We should value our neighbours more, and what better than a cup of soup and a chat together. I hope it's a great success."
Simon Hughes MP said: "Today we've seen the three major parties all represented here and I hope that shows that there is very strong commitment to what The Salvation Army do and also to trying to deal with the issue of reducing the number of people who are homeless, lonely and vulnerable. Anything, over a cup or soup and a bread roll, which allows people to build friendships is as important to their mental and physical health as anything else."
During the event, formerly homeless service users from the charity's Hostel Plus+ Centres, offered MPs, Peers and senior officers from Metropolitan Police and London Fire Briade an early tasting of New Covent Garden Food Co's limited edition December soup of the month - a chicken, vegetable and pearl barley recipe which has been specially created in support of The Salvation Army, with every carton sold helping to raise funds for the charity's nationwide network of Hostel Plus+ centres.
New Covent Garden Food Co's Nick Munby, said: "We're delighted to be continuing our support for The Salvation Army and their Hostel Plus+ centres for a second year. The dedicated chefs at New Covent Garden Food Co have always known that fresh vegetables and fresh soup are an essential part of a healthy and nutritious diet, and it's a belief which is echoed by the words of General William Booth, The Salvation Army's founding father who once stated that the best way to help a vulnerable person was to provide them with soup, soap and salvation!
"2008 was a great start to the partnership but we want to make it even bigger and better this year! By designating 27 November as Soup Kitchen Challenge Day, we hope that it will encourage more people get their ladles out to help raise money for this great charity and the fantastic work they do."
The Salvation Army's Assistant Secretary for Programme, Major Ivor Telfer, said: "Sharing simple but nutritious food is often the start of a conversation with someone sleeping rough on the streets or using our community welfare services.
"Relationship breakdown and a lack of purpose are the biggest causes for homelessness, but we're determined to help people fight back by offering the practical, social and spiritual support they need to realise their potential and recover their personal dignity.
"We hope as many people as possible take up New Covent Garden Food Co.'s challenge and help The Salvation Army in our work to improve the lives of homeless and vulnerable people across the country. All donations to the 'Soup Kitchen Challenge' will enable this life changing work to continue."
New Covent Garden Food Co's 'Soup Kitchen Challenge' is an official fundraising drive created to help raise money for The Salvation Army. Anyone can take up the challenge by visiting www.newcoventgarden.com/salvationarmy/ or www.salvationarmy.org.uk/soup where they'll find lots of tasty soup recipes and tips and advice on the type of fundraising events to host.