Coldest Night of the Year 2024 Recap

This year’s Coldest Night of the Year was a massive, record-breaking success, and it’s all thanks to this wonderful community who came out to walk in the rain, fundraise, and donate to support the Downtown Eastside. Thanks to the collective effort of everyone who participated, we raised a total of $112,725—and counting! That’s the most […]

Streaming for Overdose Awareness

No matter where in the world you are, chances are there are people in your community dying of overdose from a toxic drug supply. August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), an annual day of action for our neighbours, family, friends and community members who have been lost to and impacted by the overdose […]

Fundraising for Homelessness Action Week

As Thanksgiving approaches, we reflect on the things we are grateful for in the past year – family, good food, good health (COVID-19 vaccinations!!!), a warm house and what’s good about our world.  This year, Thanksgiving overlaps with another event, one that hits very close to home for us: Homelessness Action Week – from October 10 to 17. We […]

Our First #GivingTuesday Shelter Gala

December 3, 2020 Update: You did it! You helped us surpass our goal and donated $65,035 towards our mission of providing direct support and advocacy to our neighbours in the Downtown Eastside! Thank you! Read more about the Shelter Gala, and check out videos and pictures below. Didn’t make a gift in time but still […]

Stepping Up in Tough Times

This spring, Chandos Construction joined First United for the first time as a platinum sponsor for our 13th Annual Golf Tournament for the Homeless. But when COVID-19 hit, we made the tough decision to cancel the tournament. That meant we faced the loss of more than $100,000 in critical program funds the golf community raises […]

Not-so-Lucky 13: This Year’s Golf Tournament for the Homeless

This week, we were meant to host First United’s 13th Annual Golf Tournament for the Homeless: “Lucky 13,” we’d called it. Seems funny looking back now! But as with so many plans this spring, it was not to be. When the seriousness of COVID-19 set in, we made the tough decision to cancel the tournament. We knew everyone’s health […]

“Lucky 13th” Annual Golf Tournament for the Homeless – Cancelled

Tournament Update – April 8, 2020 In light of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Golf Tournament for the Homeless. As we face this challenge and associated additional costs, we are asking our community of golfers for support. If your circumstances allow, please consider a donation: You may donate online […]

COVID-19: Events Update

March 17, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting all of us right now, especially the Downtown Eastside community we serve. Taking action to support public health in our community – particularly for those most vulnerable and marginalized – is our civic and moral responsibility. To this end, all First United public events between now and […]