FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
– April 9, 2025 –
‘Super Clinic’ Opens Doors During Tax Season
UGM’s Super Clinic instrumental for people getting financial support, supporting exits from homelessness
(Vancouver, B.C.) – Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is hosting its seventh Super Clinic on April 9, 2025, where community members in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) can potentially access thousands of dollars in government support all on one day, in one place. UGM is partnering with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Service Canada, The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Pigeon Park Savings and Disability Alliance BC to provide easy access to these essential services like tax returns, helping people access their Canadian Pension Plans (CPP) and replace lost or stolen identification.
Shane West went to the Super Clinic last July and got prescribed free hearing aids along with tax help. “Super Clinic is important because it helps people so when they don’t have the money, they can come to one spot,” he says. “When I was younger, there was nothing like this. It was all spread out.”
West is one of the many individuals who have reaped major health and tax benefits at Super Clinic. “These clinics can be life-changing,” says Nick Wells, UGM spokesperson. “We helped 90 people at the last Super Clinic and with more agencies joining this time, we’re looking to help more individuals and families access vital government services.”
"Many people don't realize just how many benefits, credits, and even subsidies are dependent on filing a tax return each year. That's why it's so important for people to get their tax returns up to date. It's also why events like these are so critical,” said TJ Madigan, Western Region communications manager for the CRA.
Disability Alliance BC will also be on-site to assist those needing help or support getting their needs met.
“For many people with disabilities, navigating through provincial and federal income assistance, social programs, taxes, financial planning, and disability benefits can be extremely overwhelming,” said Cynthia Minh, director, Tax AID & Access RDSP with Disability Alliance BC.
MEDIA EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: Media wishing to attend are welcome between 11 AM & 12:30 PM
Where: UGM Vancouver, 601 E Hastings St.
● Please RSVP to nwells@ugm.ca before arriving
● Upon arrival at UGM, please sign-in at reception
CONTACT
Nick Wells
Media Relations Specialist
Cell: 604-996-1417
nwells@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.
