FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Thursday, October 10, 2024 -
UGM Welcomes Neighbours for a Shared Thanksgiving Experience Full of Hope
(Vancouver, B.C.) – This Thanksgiving, thousands of community members experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction, will be welcomed into Union Gospel Mission’s different locations around Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley for a holiday meal.
“This year I’m thankful to the outreach workers from Union Gospel Mission, who brought me food everyday when I was recovering from surgery,” said Celia Roja, a community member who had major surgery this August. “I was home alone and their visits made me feel so cared for.”
“We cherish the opportunity to connect with and support our dynamic communities each day,” said Sarah Chew, spokesperson for Union Gospel Mission. “We host these Thanksgiving Meals to celebrate our community that’s been through so much yet makes the most of what they have. They display immense generosity, they manage to smile in spite of difficulty, and they leave a lasting impact on the people around them — including here at UGM.”
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at select UGM locations, UGM will serve up 2000 lbs of turkey, 800 lbs of both mashed potatoes and vegetables, 250 litres of gravy and 200 litres of cranberry sauce, and 575 pumpkin pies. Every part of the meal will be entirely free, as community members gather together for a time of conversation and delicious food — just like any Thanksgiving meal.
“Despite the hardship of walking with the community through times of homelessness, poverty, or addiction, UGM is glad for the wins made possible by generous donors,” Chew said. “UGM has run its men’s shelter all year-round, hundreds of individuals and families currently live in UGM’s affordable housing, and men and women have commenced their recovery programs. As much bad as there has been this year, we take this time to remember and appreciate the good.”
“I can’t get a job for another six months while I continue to recover,” said Roja, “but I know UGM has got my back if I need more support.”
UGM anticipates welcoming more than 2,500 people to our Thanksgiving Meal and celebrating the fall season with them.
MEDIA EVENT DETAILS
Date: Monday, October 14th, 2024
Time: Media availability window will be from 11AM-1PM, and we suggest arriving from 10:50AM-11:30AM if possible
Where: 601 East Hastings, Vancouver (@ Princess)
- Please RSVP to schew@ugm.ca before arriving
- Carving the 2000 lbs of turkey is happening on Saturday, October 12th from 9AM-11AM — please contact Sarah if you are interested.
THE MEAL
- 2200 lbs of Turkey
- 750-800 lbs Mashed Potatoes
- 750-800 lbs Vegetables
- 250 litres Gravy
- 200 litres Cranberry sauce
- 500 Pumpkin 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, and families for over 80 years. Through its ten locations in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Greater Victoria, UGM offers an intentional continuum of care through outreach, meals, emergency shelter, alcohol and drug recovery, affordable housing, and career development. The heart of UGM is to demonstrate God’s abundant love, and provide opportunities for healing, transformation, and integration into healthy communities and toward brighter futures. To learn more, visit UGM.ca.
