While the Vancouver Courier may have moved to a new location last year, one thing that hasn’t changed is office manager June Stafford’s determination to brighten the holidays for local street youth.
Stafford started the Courier Christmas Drive 11 years ago in support of Directions Youth Services, a non-profit organization that helps street youth meet immediate needs through hot meals, showers and laundry facilities.
Directions encourages teens and young adults to seek support through education, recreation and artistic programs. In addition to lockers and pet kennels, the centre also offers a space for youth to shower and clean up before a job interview, a family meeting or for their own sake, which is why it’s so important to carry essential toiletries such as disposable razors, shampoo, tampons, soap and hair clippers. Other items on the centre’s wish list include gift cards, particularly for fast-food restaurants and coffee shops, transit passes and new items such as underwear, sneakers and boots, warm jackets, gloves, hats, socks, rain pants and jackets, and any teen-appropriate clothing. Homeless youth are always in need of sleeping bags, backpacks, tarps, sheets, blankets and first aid items. For more information about Directions, visit fsgv.ca. Donations of new goods can be dropped off at the Courier office, 303 West Fifth Ave., between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday before Dec. 18 at the Alberta Street entrance or call 604-630-3501 and ask for June.
Pet photos
Have a ($20) photo taken of your pooch and support Thank Dog I Am Out Animal Rescue at the same time. Love on a Leash Trusted Dog Care Services is hosting its annual Santa Paws Comes to Town event Dec. 5 and 6 at Tisol Pet Nutrition and Supply Store, 3033 Grandview Hwy., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sip on hot mulled cider and nibble on baked goods while you mingle with your beloved dog — all for a great cause.
Gift of sport
KidSport calls on Canadians to give the gift of sport this holiday season with a goal to raise
$30,000 to help more children play organized sport in 2016. More than 30 per cent of Canadian youth under the age of 18 can’t afford to play organized sport. With the help of Canadians across the country, KidSport’s annual campaign — running until Jan. 8, 2016 — aims to get more kids off the sidelines and into the game to experience the gift of sport. An average donation of $250 can provide one child a full season of sport — the type of gift that will last well beyond the holidays. Visit KidSport.ca/GiftofSport.
Heritage conservation
Become a “Friend of Vancouver Heritage Foundation” and help support the non-profit’s efforts in ensuring sustainable development includes the historic buildings, structures and places that make our city unique. These irreplaceable assets can offer immense benefits for Vancouverites — cultural, social, economic and environmental. Visit vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
Syrian refugee relief
AGoFundMe account has been launched by Vancouver-based public relations specialist Rory Richards, who’s dubbed her relief project “Because.” Richards explains, “Because it is the right thing to do.” Richards is paying her own way to Lesvos, Greece, where she will help with humanitarian relief efforts for the thousands of Syrian refugees landing on the small island’s shores each day. Richards promises 100 per cent of the funds raised will go directly to non-profit organizations working in Lesvos. Visit gofundme.com and search “Because” Rory Richards.
Soup for Syria
Even celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain set aside his famous cynicism for this project as part of 80celebrated chefs from around the world who contributed to the book by offering up their favourite soup recipes. The book was inspired by Barbara Abdeni Massaad, an award-winning Lebanese cookbook author, who, while living near a Syrian refugee camp, would fill her car up with food every weekend and head to the camp where she got to know families and cook with them. All profits from the book will help fund food relief efforts through the United Nation’s Refugee Agency. Available at most local bookstores or online at soupforsyria.com.
Twitter: @sthomas10
