FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
– Monday, November 25, 2024 –
UGM’s Christmas Hamper Program Will Give Gifts To Nearly 2000 People in Vancouver This Christmas
UGM’s annual Christmas Hamper Store and Gifts of Hope program offers struggling families a chance to shop without worrying about the cost.
(Vancouver, B.C.) – Families and individuals living in Vancouver who might be struggling to make ends meet this holiday season will get the chance to shop for Christmas gifts for FREE through Union Gospel Mission’s Christmas Hamper Store. Running annually since 2017, the store is filled with toys, winter clothing, books, kitchen supplies, and grocery gift cards that are all paid for by generous donations.
Hazel Arnold and her two granddaughters have been part of the Christmas Hamper program since 2022. Back then they had been living in an RV, with no income for food, no gas or showers in their RV, and no idea what Christmas would look like. When UGM staff brought them into the Christmas Hamper store for the first time, Arnold said she and her girls were astounded.
“My granddaughters cried and were in disbelief at the gifts,” said Arnold, “They both chose coats, teddy bears, and boots. And with the gift cards I was able to get ham, mashed potatoes, even butter to prepare a wonderful Christmas meal for us. I don’t know what we would have done with UGM.”
Inflation has hit everyone hard, and the cost of living in Vancouver has greatly increased the number of families — of children — who experience poverty and homelessness. This Christmas, it’s the perfect time to give back through Gifts of Hope and the Christmas Hamper Store, and receive the powerful gift of seeing people smile and hearts be filled.
“This year we expect to serve nearly 2000 people,” said Sarah Chew, spokesperson for Union Gospel Mission, “And every year the demand for our programs and services grows. Through the Christmas Hamper program, UGM gets to take the burden of the holidays away from families, and instead feed their excitement of being together and having what they need to get through the winter.”
The community can also get involved by donating money or brand new items to the Christmas Hamper Store by visiting giftsofhope.ugm.ca. Hope can cost as little as $15 this Christmas!
MEDIA EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Time: Media wishing to attend are asked to arrive at 9am. The media availability window will be from 9-11am.
Where: 430 Railway Street, Vancouver
- Please RSVP to schew@ugm.ca
- Both Sarah and Hazel will be available for interviews at the Christmas Hamper Store
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.
