FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
– June 10, 2025 –
UGM’s Summer Connect: Reducing Barriers, Uplifting Community
36 service providers and groups will take part in this year’s event
(Vancouver, B.C) – After helping more than 2,400 people last year, UGM’s Summer Connect returns with more groups to tackle systemic barriers in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Union Gospel Mission’s 12th annual Summer Connect will bring together 36 service providers and groups – ranging from the Canada Revenue Agency and Pigeon Park Savings to the Urban Native Youth Association and Little Mountain Neighbourhood House.
By bringing these groups together, people are able to get access to essential services faster and more easily.
Karl Hinton, a community member in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), knows the impact of Summer Connect.
He had his wallet, with all his ID and bank cards, stolen two years ago. Through Summer Connect, he was able to get new ID cards as well as register for his Old Age Security pension.
“The benefits of events like Summer Connect are that you don’t have to go down to somewhere like Service Canada, they come to you,” he says.
“It made life easier for someone like me who was trying to figure out a few things all at once, such as what pieces of ID I needed, how to regain access to my bank account, do my taxes and see what sort of pension I was eligible for.”
Last year’s Summer Connect featured 33 service providers and groups, with 2,400 people attending and over 1,900 meals served.
“This is what community looks like: people coming together to confront issues like opening a bank account, finding a job or even just having your pet seen by a vet,” says UGM spokesman Nick Wells.
“We’re featuring more partners from across the city who are pulling together to help people in East Vancouver get the help they need.”
MEDIA EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Time: Media wishing to attend the media scrum with Nick and community member Karl Hinton are requested to arrive no later than 11:15 a.m.
Where: 601 East Hastings (Princess Street will be closed from E. Hastings to E. Cordova)
RSVP: Please send details to nwells@ugm.ca
EVENT DETAILS
- 36 different service providers and groups will be taking part
- Service providers range from Pigeon Park Savings and the Canada Revenue Agency to Urban Native Youth Association and the Regional Animal Protection Society
- In 2024, UGM served 1,900+ meals and had over 2,400 guests attend
- "Mind the Gap" UGM's newest Literature Review about integrated approaches to mental health and addiction will be released Wednesday morning. If you'd like an embargoed copy, let Nick know
RSVP PROTOCOL
- Please RSVP to Nick Wells, nwells@ugm.ca, before arriving.
- Upon arrival at Princess Avenue and East Hastings, please head directly to the Media Booth to sign in.
- There will be blockades blocking access to Princess Street between East Hastings and East Cordova
- Karl Hinton will also be available for a media scrum.
- A UGM spokesperson will be available for interviews as well.
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.
