Rising prices for everything from groceries to rent are taking their toll on many community members – and the organizations that support them.
The Record’s annual Guide to Giving aims to connect community members with local non-profits in need of their support, including arts, cultural and social services organizations.
Launched in 1996, the Guide to Giving aims to highlight some of the New West-based non-profits that could use your support during the holiday season – and beyond. Some may have a need for specific items or volunteers, but they could all use your financial support this holiday season – and beyond.
Here’s a look at some of the local community organizations that could use your support:
Arts New West
What does it do?
Arts New West’s mission is to bring community together through the arts. Through its free and low-barrier arts programming, it uses art as a catalyst for engaging individuals and communities, inspiring participation, and building relationships.
“Arts New West is determined to ensure the arts are accessible to all despite the rising cost of living,” said Laura Grady, executive director. “We want to be able to continue to tell the stories of local artists, we want to provide opportunities for families and individuals to access free arts programming, and we want to continue to compensate artists for their work.”
For Arts New West, that means:
- Giving barrier free access to the arts through many of its programs including Queen's Park Arts Festival, Poetry in the Park, Queen's Park Concert Series, Expressions of Reclamation Series, Art in Moody Park, Summer Sketching by the River and New West Cultural Crawl. Through these events, the public will experience visual arts, music, theatre, crafting, dance and more.
- Encouraging local artists to become self-sustaining by giving them opportunities to share, show, sell and perform their work. These opportunities are provided by New West Craft markets, New West Cultural Crawl, and exhibitions.
- Giving local artists a chance for feedback and mentorship, enabling them to advance in their artistic and career development.
How can you can help?
Financial donations from the community allow Arts New West to continue the work it’s doing and provide it with the means to offer free arts programming that benefits the community.
Volunteers – a key to Arts New West’s success – are always needed to assist in various arts programs, arts events and committees.
Contact:
Contact Laura Grady, executive director, at [email protected] or 604-525-3244.
Aunt Leah’s
What does it do?
Aunt Leah’s provides critical support for youth leaving foster care, as these young people live in poverty and are at risk of homelessness because they don’t have family support. Aunt Leah’s also provides young, vulnerable mothers and their babies with homes and wrap-around care – preventing them from losing custody of their children.
To support foster youth on their journey to adulthood, the non-profit offers housing, pre-employment training, education opportunities, and coaching in essential life skills.
“We are the constant, supportive and compassionate family that they can depend on as they move forward with their lives,” said Aunt Leah’s. “Last year we assisted more than 700 young people.”
Aunt Leah’s tagline is: When there’s no place that’s home, there’s Aunt Leah’s.
“I’m impressed by the fact that Aunt Leah’s puts each young person at the centre of the support that they offer,” said Brett Marr, Aunt Leah’s donor and director of the Ember Fund. “The strength of each person, as well as their needs are recognized and respected.”
How can you help?
Donations or tree purchase make a huge difference in Aunt Leah’s ability to provide the services that these young people need. Last year, donations from individuals and local businesses, along with our tree sales, made up 35 per cent of Aunt Leah’s revenue.
The New West-based non-profit operates seasonal Christmas tree lots in Burnaby, Coquitlam, or Vancouver.
Contact info:
For tree lots information go to www.auntleahs.org/trees. For donations, contact Dumi Owane at 604-525-1204 (extension 251) or donate online at www.auntleahs.org/get-involved/donate/.
Century House Peer Support Program
What does it do?
The Century House Association Peer Support Program (CHAPS) is a community service that aims to support adults aged 50 and older as they navigate life’s transitions including bereavement, loneliness or isolation, downsizing, moving, and/or caregiver support. The CHAPS program facilitates meaningful connections by pairing participants with senior volunteers to access one-on-one support. This service is available at no-cost to the participant and can be accessed in person, over the phone, and through video conferencing platforms such as ZOOM. The Century House Association Peer Support Program aims to alleviate the challenges posed by life changes for older adults, creating a sense of understanding and community connectedness.
How can you help?
Since January 2021, significant efforts have been made to restore this essential program after the COVID-19 pandemic. CHAPS is actively engaged in matching clients to peer support volunteers, while simultaneously recruiting and training new volunteers to support the growing demand for this program. Financial donations would support the CHAPS program to enhance and sustain its vital services through updating the training curriculum for new CHAPS trainees, developing essential materials for continuing education and mentoring, and covering associated administrative costs including printing and distributing materials.
Contact:
Donations can be made online at Canadahelps.ca (search for Century House Senior Citizens Activity Association – then specifically select Senior Peer Counselling in the drop-down menu). Cash or cheques can be dropped off at the front desk at Century House, 620 Eighth St. Cheques should be made payable to Century House Association – Peer Support Program.
For more information about the program, call and leave a message at 604-519-1064.
Dan’s Legacy
What does it do?
Dan’s Legacy provides trauma-informed and culturally sensitive counselling and life-skills programs to youth at risk in Metro Vancouver – going to wherever the youth are located. It aims to maintain a no-wait list, and all of its programs and services are free of charge. In the past year, Dan’s Legacy helped 600 youth stabilize their mental health challenges and begin working towards their education, employment and recover goals.
“Dan’s Legacy works upstream, and we put our focus on harm prevention,” says Barbara Coates, executive director. “We want to hear from any youth who is asking for counselling or wrap-around support, and they can easily self-refer on our website under the Get Help – Register Yourself tab.”
Dan’s Legacy recently opened its new enterprise, Dan’s Diner, in New West – and looks forward to welcoming guests. Takeaway hot lunches or one-litre frozen containers of soups, stews, curries and chilis are available for purchase at affordable prices.
Dan’s Diner uses donated recovered food and provides paid work experiences running a food service business to its clients. It’s located at #150 – 131 11th St. and is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
How can you help?
Dan’s Legacy always welcomes, which are eligible for a tax receipt. A donation of time (volunteering) is also very much appreciated.
Contact:
To donate to Dan’s Legacy visit https://danslegacy.com/ways-to-help/donate/.
To volunteer, contact Zena Peden, events and administrative coordinator at [email protected].
For additional information, contact executive director Barbara Coates at [email protected] or program director Tom Littlewood at [email protected].
Don’t Go Hungry (DGH)
What does it do?
Don’t Go Hungry (DGH) is a weekend food support program with three locations in New West and one location in South Burnaby, serving more than 1,500 people every Saturday in these four locations. A large percentage of those accessing the program are families, many who are new to Canada. Launched during COVID, the program is designed to help those who are unable to access a weekday food program.
“The need for food support only continues to grow in our community,” say organizers.
How can you help?
Food and cash donations are welcomed by the program, which is an outreach of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, an amalgamation of four churches, including three in New West – Trinity West-End (formerly St. Aidan’s), Trinity Columbia (formerly Knox) and – and Trinity Edmonds in Burnaby.
Don’t Go Hungry currently has a food drive on throughout New West and Burnaby. Items can be dropped off at donation bins at locations including New Westminster City Hall, Anvil Centre, Century House, Massey Theatre and Queensborough Community Centre. Here’s what on the DGH wish list:
- Canned proteins: nut butters, canned meat, beans, chili
- Canned soups: chunky style
- Children’s snacks: fruit snacks, applesauce, fruit cups, snack size crackers/cookies, granola bars
- Cleaning supplies: dish soap, laundry soap
- Personal care items: toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, soap, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes
Contact:
Donations can be made through the Don’t Go Hungry website.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
What does it do?
Family Services of Greater Vancouver is a non-profit working to support and empower individuals, families, and communities. Its programs and services are designed to help people develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create positive change in their lives. Specializing in crisis stabilization, counselling, and poverty reduction, its staff work from an evidence-based and trauma-informed lens to meet people where they’re at and get them where they want to be.
How can you help?
You can support FSGV several ways this holiday season:
- Make a donation to support vulnerable community members this holiday season. This holiday season, your donation goes twice as far thanks to its matching sponsor, Amazon.
- Follow FSGV on social media or sign up for their e-newsletter
- Discover volunteer opportunities
- Become a corporate sponsor or help fundraise for FSGV
Donations to the Caring Neighbours program provide children, youth, and families with access to vital crisis support, counselling, and poverty reduction programs.
For Caring Neighbours, companies can get involved by becoming a corporate sponsor or fundraising for the program. Community members can make donations to the campaign. The first $50,000 in donations will be matched by presenting sponsor, Amazon.
Year-round, FSGV appreciated donations are appreciated (including an opportunity to provide a monthly donation). Volunteers, considered the heart and soul of many of Family Services’ programs, are also needed.
“The holiday season poses unique challenges for many people, especially our community’s most vulnerable members,” says Maria Howard, CEO of FSGV. “We are there for them during this trying time, and throughout the year, to offer support that is non-judgmental and trauma-informed. By rallying behind our campaign, the community supports programs that open the door to life-changing opportunities — whether it’s empowering someone to overcome barriers to building their financial wellbeing or encouraging a survivor of domestic violence to write their next chapter. There is no greater gift than this.”
Contact info:
For more information about Family Services of Greater Vancouver, visit www.fsgv.ca, call 604-731-4951 or email [email protected].
Fraser River Discovery Centre Society
What does it do?
Fraser River Discovery Centre is all about the living, working Fraser River – education, engagement and celebration. It’s also increasingly taking on key societal priorities, including climate change and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through its partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band to develop xʷtatəl̕ləm (A Place of Learning).
How can you help?
Donations are needed to keep FRDC going, because it doesn’t have any guaranteed source of annual funding. It provides a range of opportunities to support the different areas of its work, which can be found at https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/givingcircle/.
“FRDC relies on public donations to allow us to tell the environmental, socio-cultural and economic stories of the mighty river, as well as educate and involve people in critical societal priorities like dealing with climate change and moving forward on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” said Stephen Bruyneel, director of external relations and development.
Contact:
Contact Stephen Bruyneel, director of external relations and development [email protected].
Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society
What does it do?
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide healthy food to those in need. It provides assistance to more than 16,000 people each month through direct distribution in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and the North Shore. The GVFB also provides food support to 138 community agencies throughout these communities, such as housing agencies, women's and children’s shelters, transition houses, and after-school programs, which in turn provide meals and snacks to thousands of people each week.
How can you help?
Donate or become a monthly donor: https://foodbank.bc.ca/
“Thank you to our community for your ongoing support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank,” said a statement from GVFB. “Thanks to you, we can provide healthy food to those in need.”
Contact:
Call 504-876-3601.
KidSport New West
What does it do?
KidSport New West provides grants of up to $400 per calendar year that cover the cost of registration fees for New Westminster kids 18 and under who are experiencing a financial barrier to participate in Sports BC-affiliated sports.
How can you help?
KidSport appreciates donations to the local chapter – every dollar raised in New Westminster stays in New Westminster and goes to local kids. This year more than ever, families are facing an affordability crunch and registration fees for extracurricular sports are one of the first things that fall off the budget. Help kids stay in the game.
Contact:
For more information or to make a donation, visit the website at www.kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/new-west.
If your family needs help, apply online at https://kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/new-west/
Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families
What does it do?
The Purpose Society employs more than 200 people who provide youth and family programs, a secondary school for students with special needs, child-care centres, early learning programs, a Community Action Team, rent banks and housing support programs, alcohol and drug programs. Other services include harm reduction, a safe consumption site, a youth medical clinic, a nightly shelter and a food hamper program.
Each month, Purpose distributes food to approximately 3,962 people.
The society’s efforts were recognized at the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce’s recent Platinum Awards.
“The Purpose Society would also like to thank all the people involved in the Platinum Awards who were instrumental in Purpose receiving the Community Innovation Award,” said Lynda Fletcher-Gordon, acting executive director. “Thank you!”
How can you help?
This year, with groceries costing so much, the priority is food like peanut butter, tuna, salmon, beans, oatmeal, canned fruit and vegetables, milk alternatives, as well as diapers and baby formula. The second priority is hand warmers, socks, scarves, toques and gloves for men and women.
Gently used warm jackets for men and women are also welcome.
Purpose can provide a tax receive for cash donations, which would be used to buy fresh produce.
Contact:
Call Ashley Petelycky at 604-526-2522.
Massey Theatre Society
What does it do?
Since opening in 1949, Massey Theatre has hosted thousands of performances and become a cherished space for community members to experience the arts. It hosts large-scale musicals, international music and dance performances, symphonies, choirs, ballets and more.
The Massey Theatre is part of Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, featuring more than 57,000-square-feet of activatable, programmable and creative exploration space where community is invited to share, experience and discover the magic of the performing arts.
How can you help?
This year, Massey Theatre Society’s fundraising efforts are going towards its community kitchen, which will be used to feed artists, activate community programs, and service fundraisers, meetings, cultural celebrations, awards ceremonies, as well as performances and arts programs.
“We will look to participate in food sustainability programs, local food and beverage markets, educational and community cooking programs, streaming cooking shows and coffee talks and more,” said Erin Jeffery, director of marketing and communications. “These will all be able to be programmed in the community kitchen once the space is complete.”
The society also welcomes donations to its general fund, monthly donors, sponsors for community programming and in-kind donations for equipment and resources.
Contact:
Erin Jeffery, director of marketing and communications, at [email protected] or 604-517-5900.
New Westminster Family Place
What does it do?
New West Family Place has been serving New West families with children from birth through six years old since 1989.
It provides a wide variety of services and resource, including: prenatal and postnatal programs; referrals and supports for necessities such as food and housing; mental health services, such as 1:1 family support and navigation; parent support groups for parents with children of all ages; breastfeeding support; dental health and access to care.
Family Place also provides play groups, family literacy programs, parent education workshops on baby and family life fundamentals, settlement supports for newcomer families, access to early identification and programming for developmental delays, and support for early identification of speech and language challenges.
Family Place programs, offered out of the Quayside and Massey Theatre, ensure that families are provided with safe, responsive, inclusive and welcoming services that help them build on the strengths of parents and the community so families can thrive.
How can you help?
Family Place has joined forces with Groove Cat Books & Records to spread warmth and joy this season. Donations of toys (zero to six years), grocery gift cards or cash can be dropped off at the store at 775 Sixth St. Donations to this drive will support families in our community who are struggling during the holidays.
You can also show your support through volunteering or a donation at www.newwestfamilies.ca/donate/.
"As the executive director of New West Family Place, I've got a front-row seat to the daily struggles of families with young kids, all thanks to the ever-increasing costs of … everything! It's like a real-life game of trying to stretch a dollar,” said Dana Osiowy, executive director. “But here's the deal – our team is on a mission. We're rolling up our sleeves to make sure families get the support they need. And as a community we are all in this together, and your support can make a world of difference. By making a donation, big or small, you're helping us to support families to thrive”.
Contact:
For more information, call 604-520-3666, email [email protected] or follow it on social media @NewWestFamilies.
New West Hospice Society
What does it do?
The mission of the New West Hospice Society is to develop New Westminster into what is called a, “Compassionate City” – by working to build a community where death is no longer hidden or whispered about, so people know what to say and what to do to be supportive. It also means that New Westminster will become a community where residents can die with dignity, and where family and friends can grieve well.
New West Hospice is striving to provide compassionate and innovative services to the community that will ease the experience of people going through end-of-life or bereavement events.
“Our collective experience with Covid has made all of us more aware of the reality of death,” said Michael Scales, a member of the New West Hospice board. “However, it has created a special challenge for us since the danger of spreading the virus has limited our ability, as a hospice society, to go into the homes of dying people to offer them comfort and support.”
How can you help?
People can help by donating to the New West Hospice Society or by volunteering to be a member of the Compassionate City Crew. Details can be found on the New West Hospice Society website.
Contact:
Call 236-333-5150 or email [email protected]
New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society
What does it do?
All New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services’ firefighters belong to the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society, which raises money for programs such as the pediatric unit at Royal Columbian Hospital, the Burn Fund, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the Purpose Society, New Westminster Family Place and the Union Gospel Mission.
How can you help?
The charitable society is currently collecting donations of new toys in their packaging (gently used toys are no longer accepted) and gifts for teens, as well as items such as deodorant and feminine hygiene products.
“We are always proud to see the involvement and support our community gives to each other,” said Blair Lasell, president of the charitable society. “Every item of food and toys gets used by families and individuals local to New Westminster.”
The charitable society also accepts donations of non-perishable food items (no expired products) and ensures they get to the places in town in need of food. Tax receipts are available for donations of greater than $40.
The New Westminster Firefighters Charitable Society is holding its annual, by-donation, tree-chipping fundraising event on Saturday, Jan 6 and Sunday, Jan. 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at New Westminster City Hall.
Contact:
Cash, toys and food donations can be dropped off at the Glenbrook fire hall (1 East Sixth Ave.) Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cheques can be made out to the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society, 1 East Sixth Ave., New Westminster, V3L 4G6
Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation
What does it do?
Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation (RCHF) was established in 1978 to raise funds for the hospital’s first CT scanner. Since then, its mission has been to raise money to help the hospital save lives, restore health and provide comfort to seriously injured and ill patients of all ages.
Today, RCHF is an independent charitable organization that raises millions of dollars annually to fund major projects, priority equipment needs, facility enhancements, research, education and innovation at RCH.
Thousands of individuals, businesses, community groups and foundations in New West and across the region provide generous support to help RCHF achieve its vision — to inspire giving and grow funding so patients have access to the best in health care at Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH). In 2025, RCH plans to open the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower and continue its commitment to providing excellent healthcare in B.C.
How can you help?
One-time or monthly donations are appreciated. Donors can also make donations in memory or in tribute of loved ones.
"At Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, donations fuel innovation, advance technology, and impact patient care, ensuring excellence and community well-being,” said Jonathan Waiching, the foundation’s marketing and communications manager.
Contact:
To learn more about RCHF and to make a donation, visit www.rchfoundation.com.
Queen’s Park Healthcare Volunteer Society
What does it do?
The Queen’s Park Healthcare Volunteer Society raises money for resident-oriented programs and capital expenditures for the Queen’s Park Healthcare Centre and adjacent William Rudd House, a long-term care facility for young adults. It provides funding for projects and programs not funded by Fraser Health Authority.
The society recently provided funds for two specialized wheel chairs. Once again, it will be providing funding for Christmas Giving, which ensures every resident receives Christmas gift. The wifi at William Rudd House is also funded by QPHVC.
In addition to donations, the society generates revenue through the operation of Quintessential, the gift shop in the lobby of Queen’s Park Care Centre, and the Homes for Holidays homes tour.
How can you help?
The society’s biggest need is for volunteers, as its goal is to open the gift shop daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so residents, staff and visitors have access to the shop.
“Volunteers are always needed to staff our gift shop,” said Colleen McDonald, who does the buying for the gift shop. “If you want to make a difference, we’ve got a spot for you. For a commitment of as little as three hours a week, you can make a world of difference to the quality of life for the residents of both facilities.”
Contact:
Email Janice Cook, [email protected], or Colleen McDonald, [email protected].
St. Barnabas Anglican Church
What does it do?
St. Barnabas, "the-little-church-that-could", has a long history of supporting its neighbours.
“Our food program (sadly) is bursting at the seams. We are so happy to be helping the community, and will continue to work for a world where no one goes hungry. Currently we are exploring the possibility of expanding our work by becoming a "Neighbourhood House". Very exciting. Stay tuned in 2024 for more details,” said Reverend Emilie Smith. “Also, in these times of multiple wars, and difficulties, social isolation and loneliness, we invite all people of all faiths and traditions to hold their hearts in a place of peace and generosity. Now more than ever. Anyone wanting to join us in prayer, singing, reflection for peace this season can check out our website: stbarnabasparish.ca.”
How can you help?
Financial gifts are the best, as it can designate funds to the areas of most need. Donations of non-perishable food items are also appreciated. St. Barnabas also welcomes socks, hats, mitts and items that help folks stay warm.
Contact:
You can reach St. Barnabas, located at 1010 Fifth Ave., at 604-526-6646. Or on-line http://stbarnabasparish.ca or [email protected] (email).
St. Barnabas/Shiloh-Fifth Avenue grocery project
What does it do?
The St. Barnabas/Shiloh-Fifth Avenue grocery project is a food bank that serves over 150 households every week. We distribute a variety of foods, including milk, eggs and produce, and once a month we distribute diapers and feminine hygiene products. Whenever we can we also offer other hygiene supplies.
“We started this in 2020 when 40 people was a busy day. Now we have up to 180 on a regular basis,” said Reverend Shannon Tennant of Shiloh-Fifth Avenue United Church. “The need for food is very real – because it and everything else are prohibitively expensive for many people.”
How can you help?
Donations of money give us the most flexibility, but non-perishable goods, diapers, personal care items are also welcome - as long as they're unopened and not expired. Volunteers - especially for specific projects - are also welcome.
Contact:
Call Shannon at 604-506-2235 or email [email protected].
Sapperton Residents Association
What does it do?
Here are some photos Sapperton Residents’ Association organizes and gathers community contributions from residents and businesses for its annual winter gift bags. The project is aimed at supporting some of the most vulnerable folks in the local community and are living at the Elizabeth Fry building in Sapperton.
How can you help?
Jacob Huang, chair of the Sapperton Residents Association, encourages community members to embrace the spirit of giving once again.
“We're creating 35 winter gift bags and need your help. Consider donating winter goods or body lotions to make a difference in our neighbours' lives. If you prefer a monetary donation, we'll ensure it's used wisely. Let's make this season special by coming together. Your generosity will create warmth and joy for those who need it most. Thank you for making a difference!
Until Dec. 15, donations of scarves and socks, as well as full-size body wash and lotions, are being collected. Cash and e-transfer donations are also accepted.
Contact:
Donations can be dropped off at Steve's Poke Bar (237 Nelson's Cres.). For more information, contact Jacob at 604-808-2275 or [email protected].
Seniors Services Society of BC
What does it do?
Seniors Services Society of BC is a New West-based non-profit agency that provide local and provincial programs and services to support vulnerable older adults to live as independently as possible.
Each year, the society invites community members to participate in its annual year-end Santa for Seniors’ campaign. Santa for Seniors is designed to provide essential housing services and necessities to seniors who are homeless or at risk for homelessness during the holiday season and throughout the year!
Since 2020, the society’s virtual Santa for Seniors’ campaign has helped more than 1,600 seniors with meals, temporary housing services, groceries, and medicines to assist them in a housing crisis.
How can you help?
Make an online donation to www.sssbc.ca/santaforseniors.
This year, the Seniors Services Society is also accepting small room heaters and warm blankets or flannel sheet sets for twin beds.
“Thanks to the outstanding generosity of donors like you, we gifted grocery cards, meals, and temporary housing necessities to thousands of low-income, isolated, or homeless seniors since 2020,” said Nipa Bhalla, resource development officer. “Santa for Seniors supports vulnerable seniors, not just during the holidays but throughout the entire year.”
Contact:
For more information, you can visit www.seniorsservicessociety.ca. Contact Nipa Bhalla, resource development officer, at [email protected].
Union Gospel Mission New Westminster Resource Centre
What does it do?
We do everything we can to bring hope, show care and give dignity to those experiencing poverty, homelessness and dealing with addictions in our neighbourhood in New Westminster. That looks like serving up hot, delicious breakfasts every day, listening to and spending time with community members, and connecting them to external resources like counselling, medical care, and shelter. We foster relationships with those in our community and do our best to make them feel seen, known, and loved.
How can you help?
We serve folks not just in New West but all over Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley through our efforts to provide shelter, meals, addiction treatment and aftercare – and donations and volunteers play a big part in that life-saving and life-giving work. You can donate your time, give financially, or check our website to see what items are needed most. Right now we’d appreciate donations of hand-warmers, new socks and underwear (in men’s sizes) as well as travel size toiletries. We serve our communities 24/7, 365 days of the year, so support from folks is welcome all year-round.
“The opioid crisis has made the need for UGM’s services even greater. We see the number of people experiencing homelessness all over B.C. rising. But to us they’re not numbers; they’re our people. They live in our neighbourhoods; they take transit with us; they eat with us,” said Sarah Chew, media relations specialist with Union Gospel Mission. “And it’s our honour to keep loving folks in our community and caring for them this holiday season, and every season to come.”
Contact info:
For more information, you can visit https://ugm.ca/ways-to-give.
WINGS Fellowship Ministries
What does it do?
WINGS Fellowship Ministries operates Monarch Place and Chrysalis Place in New Westminster. They are transition homes that support women and children fleeing domestic violence. Monarch Place is our first stage program and helps women who have come directly from domestic violence. We support them with accommodations, help in finding financial, legal and other support they may need to get a new start. This program is 30 days. Chrysalis place is our second stage program that provides more in depth help and accommodations for a maximum of a year.
How can you help?
At this time of year, we are looking to support women who have been through our homes and are still experiencing difficulty financially. There are many ways that people can support us. We accept financial donations and gifts for women and children as well as new or gently used household items that might be needed to start up a household.
We are in need of women's, teen's and children's PJ's and underwear in all sizes as well as gift items for Christmas such as: nice beauty products, neutral make-up and nail colours, journals, adult colouring books, pencil crayons, Lego sets for all ages, craft and science kits, baby product, gift cards for teens, grocery cards etc.
“This year the biggest challenge is meeting the needs of women who are struggling due to cost of living,” Susan Stephen, administrative coordinator at WINGS. “More women need assistance either from food banks, rental subsidy programs or hamper programs to help them get through the year and Christmas.
Contact:
For more information, you can email [email protected] or call 604-521-1888.
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