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Courier Christmas Drive raises money and gifts for homeless teens

Courier readers donated more than $1,000 in goods and cash to Youth Directions Services this year.
christmas drive 2013
This is the ninth consecutive year the Christmas Drive has been organized by Courier office manager June Stafford. Photo Dan Toulgoet

Generous Vancouverites helped the Vancouver Courier raise $1,003 in donations for Directions Youth Services, a centre for homeless teens, in its annual Christmas Drive. The drive raised $710 in gift cards, $60 in cheques and $233 in cash, plus gifts.

This is the ninth consecutive year the Christmas Drive has been organized by Courier office manager June Stafford.

“They need to know that people out there do care and there’s help out there to get them on the right path,” Stafford said.

Each year Stafford places ads in the Courier newspaper and on the website soliciting monetary donations and goods for Directions Youth Services.

Directions Youth Services provides a range of services to homeless teenagers aged 12 to 18 to help them get back on their feet, including finding secure housing and a job, access to medical services and mental health counselling, and life skills training.

The centre, operated by Family Services of Greater Vancouver, also provides emergency shelter for teens with a hot dinner, shower facilities and laundry services.

Directions Youth Services is always in need of bus tickets and gifts cards, as well as personal hygiene items and warm winter clothes.

Lots of toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap were donated this year, as well as hats, gloves and coats, which are very appreciated, Stafford said.

John Taylor, senior worker for the Direction Youth Services’ day program, said warm clothing such as oversized sweatshirts and boots in sizes 10, 11 and 12 are especially in demand at this time of year.

Taylor said youth come to the centre because they need warm clothes and that contact allows the staff to develop relationships with teenagers who need further assistance.

Stafford said there were no bus tickets donated this year and fewer gift cards donated than last year.

Bus tickets are important because they help kids get around to job interviews and counselling as well as to go home, Stafford said.

One boy from Calgary used bus tickets and fast food gift cards to make the trip back home to his family, she said.

Gift cards to fast-food restaurants such as Subway, Wendy’s and Starbucks feed teenagers who may be on long trips back home, but they also give outreach workers a way to connect with youth.

Outreach workers use the gift cards to get to know teenagers by taking them out for a coffee or for lunch, Taylor said. A simple coffee or meal allows workers to develop relationships with teens who may be reluctant to ask the centre for help.

Directions Youth Services is open 24 hours per day. Call the front desk at 604-633-1472 to arrange a convenient time to drop off donations or goods.