2020 was quite the year. Now that we’ve turned the corner into 2021, we have a renewed hope for what is to come and want to recognize and give our most sincere thanks for the good that you did in 2020.

You lifted our spirits and helped our community get through the hardest year in recent history. You made a difference in hundreds of people’s lives.

This Christmas was particularly special. Five individuals and one company stepped forward to help us launch our biggest winter matching appeal ever. Collectively they provided $165,000 in matching funds—doubling, and even tripling donations on certain days—to inspire others to support our mission. We’re so grateful and proud to recognize them today:

Anonymous
Chandos Construction
Carol Denny & David Jiles
Chris Grauer
Elizabeth & Rudy Kerklaan
The Lightburn Family Foundation

And inspired, you were! We’re thrilled to announce that over 1,000 of you took action and you collectively gave $541,011!

Never have we raised this much during our annual winter appeal! Our original goal was to raise $285,000 for our ongoing work in the Downtown Eastside; but you kept surpassing our targets.

Every dollar is going to help us continue providing the advocacy, spiritual care, and survival-supports that folks in the Downtown Eastside count on. The world may be really uncertain right now, but you’ve provided certainty that we’re going to be able to keep helping, keep working, and keep serving those who come to our doors.

At every stage of the pandemic, you answered the call. You sent hand-sewn masks and PPE. You made donations to help us pivot our programs and services in an unprecedented situation. You wrote Christmas cards to our shelter residents. You provided Christmas meals and gifts to individuals and families who wouldn’t have had them otherwise. You helped us in our mission to build a neighbourhood where everybody can thrive. And for that, we are immensely grateful.

We wish you all the health, happiness, and security in 2021 and beyond.