A message from Amanda Burrows, Executive Director:

I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to you—our community of values-aligned supporters—for joining us this Christmas to make an impact on the Downtown Eastside.

I’m delighted to share that this has been our biggest Christmas campaign ever, and it’s thanks to you.

Together, for our programs and services, you’ve collectively given: $580,700!

Thank you to everyone who has helped make this campaign a success. Your generosity is a demonstration of your care for our neighbours and desire to bring dignity, belonging, and justice to the DTES. We couldn’t do any of our work without your faithful support.

“My deepest thanks go to the amazing donors for their unwavering support for the work of FIRST and the DTES community this giving season. We’ve been so moved to hear stories from donors, including those whose families have been giving for generations. To hear the heart behind your giving, your compassion for the community, has been truly inspiring. Thank you.”

Katie Koncan, Director of Development and Communications

I’m grateful to the generous donors who committed to matching donations up to $190,000 at the start of the campaign, and the donors who committed to triple-matching donations up to $28,000 in the last four days of the year. We received great responses and surpassed both matching goals!

I’m also happy to share that our First Forward capital campaign raised $403,000 in the last quarter of the year, bringing our capital campaign total to $28 million! Your contributions are an investment in the future of FIRST UNITED and bring us closer to a neighbourhood where everyone’s worth is celebrated and all people thrive.

I’d also like to thank everyone who signed our tenancy reform petition. So far, almost 200 people have signed, calling on BC Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon to prioritize our six law reform recommendations (informed by our BC Eviction Map data) to combat the eviction crisis. If you haven’t signed it yet, please add your name before January 31st. Together, we have the power to influence change.

Thanks again for standing with our neighbours in the DTES and supporting the work that we do at FIRST. It’s truly an honour to have you as part of our community of supporters.

Amanda Burrows
Executive Director, FIRST UNITED

P.S. This year’s Coldest Night of the Year is taking place on Saturday, February 24. You can register to walk with us here. I hope to see you there. The team will share more information in the coming days, so keep an eye out for future updates!