Community Amid Chaos: UGM's 33rd Annual Easter Meal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Thursday, April 6, 2023 -

Community Amid Chaos: UGM’s 33th Annual Easter Meal

Pillar of DTES Community Creates Space for Renewal and Celebration

(Vancouver, B.C) – People experiencing homelessness and poverty in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) will have an opportunity to come together in community and celebration this Saturday, April 8th, at Union Gospel Mission (UGM).

“We know how particularly difficult things have been for many of our community members,” says Dean Kurpjuweit, UGM’s President. “During this week’s Decampment on East Hastings, everyone lost. Some folks lost all of their belongings and some lost faith in the system. For many Metro Vancouverites, the question around how to best walk alongside those who are the most impacted by our ongoing housing crisis remains unanswered. We know this Easter meal isn’t a magic solution to getting everyone who needs housing - housed, but during times of instability safe spaces are crucial for communities to gather.”

Upwards of 2500 people in Vancouver will be welcomed into UGM’s buildings for an Easter meal - and perhaps more importantly, an opportunity for connection with one another and outreach workers.

“Our nourishing meals, caring volunteers and staff, and continual drive to see lives changed for the better has been a constant in the Downtown Eastside for over 80 years. We aren’t going anywhere, and will always do our best by those who may be struggling the most,” says Kurpjuweit. “That unwavering commitment remains, and we have hope that this Easter will not only symbolize a new beginning, but truly be a fresh start for our beloved community.”

MEDIA EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday April 8th, 2023

Time: Media wishing to attend are asked to arrive no later than 10:50am

Where: 601 East Hastings, Vancouver (@ Princess)

• Please RSVP to nmucci@ugm.ca before arriving
• Meal preparation is happening on Thursday, April 6th in the morning - please call Nicole if you are interested.

THE MEAL

• 1,600 lbs of Ham
• 700 lbs of scalloped potatoes
• 220-240 L of Pineapple Sauce
• 700 lbs of veggies
• 525 Apple Pies

CONTACT
Nicole Mucci
Media Communications Manager
Cell: (778) 996-1417
nmucci@ugm.ca

ABOUT UNION GOSPEL MISSION
Union Gospel Mission has been feeding hope and changing the lives of men, women, youth, and children for more than 80 years. Through its eight locations in Metro Vancouver and the city of Mission, UGM provides emergency shelter, meals, outreach, career development counselling, education, safe and affordable housing, addiction recovery, and much more to those struggling with poverty, homelessness and addiction. The heart of UGM is to demonstrate God’s transforming love, ease the burden of those who are vulnerable, and come alongside people who feel cast aside. To learn more, visit www.ugm.ca