The Taste of Guelph returns this fall.

The 27th annual event is in support of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, where money is needed to purchase a new fleet of medication carts.

Katie Burnett, communications officer for the foundation, said the medication carts are important for staff as they’re used to help patients facing significant health challenges including cancer and ALS.

“This will help our team to precisely, accurately and quickly be able to give out medications to these patients and residents,” Burnett said.

She said a patient in the hospital’s complex care unit takes about an average of 30 medications per day, so the carts are a really important piece of equipment for teams to use.

Burnett said the government funding the hospital receives doesn’t cover the cost to replace or upgrade patient care equipment. This year, the foundation did not announce a fundraising goal, although the initiative in 2023 generated $250,000, the highest amount in the event’s history.

The garden party fundraiser is returning with an array of foods and live entertainment as attendees enjoy the grounds of the health centre.

She said there will be more than 50 chefs from around the city, as well as bakeries and food trucks as people try unlimited samples of exquisite food and drinks. In addition, there will be a lively auction and the ever-popular Prohibition Pantry.

Burnett added that people will have fun while supporting a good cause.

“It’s very exciting and you can really feel the energy at the event,” she said. “People are so excited to be there and to try all of the restaurants but underneath it all, of course, is really a want to support this community.”

She said early bird tickets go on sale until August and reserved tables are also available for purchase, which include four tickets, plus a reserved seated table in the shaded courtyard.

The pair of ticket options guarantees attendees unlimited access to all 50 vendors.

“We’re very excited to have it again this year and we really look forward to seeing our community turn out as we know they always do to help support St. Joseph’s,” she said.

Head to Taste of Guelph’s website to purchase tickets or call the foundation’s office at 519-767-3424 for assistance.

The fundraiser will be on Sept. 15.