FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Thursday, March 28, 2024 -
Evidence of Hope During Trials at UGM’s 34th Annual Easter Meal
The DTES community gathering that showcases resilience and redemption every year
(Vancouver, B.C) – Thousands of community members experiencing poverty and homelessness in the Downtown Eastside will be gathering for a delicious meal at Union Gospel Mission this Saturday, March 30th. It’ll be a safe space for connection in a time when many people might feel isolated in their struggles.
Ed Boe is an alumni of UGM’s recovery program. He said he felt like addiction took so much from him, but after going through the program, he feels free. Now he volunteers at UGM to give back to the community and tell others about how recovery could be possible for them. “This is what this season is about,” said Boe, “Jesus gave his life for us; the least I can do is help others.”
“All are welcome at UGM,” said UGM spokesperson Nicole Mucci, “Every single person we get to serve at this Easter Meal has a powerful story, and we are so privileged to walk with them on their individual journeys. We hope everyone who comes to the Easter Meal leaves feeling seen and loved.”
The affordability crisis in Metro Vancouver has deeply impacted the communities living in poverty in the DTES. At UGM we see the need for our food support and services continuing to increase. This Easter Meal, as well as the 800 meals we serve to our communities everyday, will hopefully be a blessing and a relief to families trying to access fresh food with limited resources.
Community members will also get the opportunity to connect with outreach workers, which could lead to someone joining a recovery program and transforming their life. “Easter is all about hope,” said Mucci, “And for our community members, it could be the start of a beautiful new beginning to their stories.”
UGM anticipates welcoming up to 2,700 people to our Easter Meal.
MEDIA EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, March 30th, 2024
Time: Media wishing to attend are asked to arrive between 10:50 AM & 11:30 AM
Where: 601 East Hastings, Vancouver (@ Princess)
THE MEAL
- 1,600 lbs of Ham
- 700 lbs of scalloped potatoes
- 240 L of Pineapple Sauce
- 700 lbs of veggies
- 525 Apple Pies
CONTACT
Sarah Chew
Media Relations Specialist
Cell: (604) 996-1417
schew@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.
