The Vision

Our vision for Vancouver was to use the resources that we have been given to service the needs of the poor and lonely in the downtown area of Vancouver. We prepared our meals in a well-equipped commercial kitchen in the city centre of Vancouver. We provided good food for the tenant population of the More Than a Roof social housing buildings, assisted other community programs and also served meals on the street.

We love training people, not only in kitchen skills but also creating teams of people to serve others. We see this as a fabulous tool and part of the recovery process. Making dignity and leadership opportunities within the reach of every person. We have many examples of little victories that happen when, amidst our brokenness, we give out to others in need. We believe by investing in areas of hospitality, service, training in practical and confident communication, that any place, city or institution will become a host for a healthier and more vibrant community.

Our purpose is to come alongside organisations, churches and individuals moving in that direction – igniting a passion to become highly effective in serving others.

The History

 During over 25 years of ministry, we have been working out ways to effectively reach out to the needy in our community.  With a great passion for the poor and the disadvantaged, we built an outreach centre in Perth, Australia.  We started cooking from home and from these humble beginnings we saw a vibrant work grow. Very importantly we were able to activate a community to ‘do the stuff’ to which we are all called. We created a place with great food, a mid-week church service, fellowship for friends, and conversations with caring volunteers who offer friendship, help and hope.

Now we are based in Switzerland for a season.

We have five adult children and four growing grandchildren - all of them living in Australia at present. Hannes is originally from Switzerland where he gained his chef’s qualification before migrating to Australia. We both have hospitality training and have lived in Canada, Sweden and Switzerland while working in the hospitality industry.  We were privileged to serve in a pastoral capacity in Perth for 14 years. In 2011 we took this vision of Soulkitchen to Vancouver. We continue to enjoy working with our partners and friends in Malaysia and visit there at least once per year. We are both ordained Ministers of Religion with the Christian Ministers Association.

We moved to Switzerland at the end of March this year. We felt 2023 was the time to hand over Soulkitchen Vancouver. Let’s see what we have in store for us now :)

Hannes and Louise